• Source:JND
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An Odisha theatre artist, playing the role of a demon in Ramayana was arrested by police after he ripped the stomach of a live pig on the stage and ate his meat in Ganjam district, news agency PTI reported. An outrage followed the incident and the act was also condemned in the state assembly on Monday.

Actor Bimbadhar Gouda and one of the organisers of a play held on November 24 in Ralab village, under the Hinjili police station limits, have been arrested on charges of animal cruelty and violating the Wildlife Protection Act.

The incident was strongly condemned by the members of the ruling BJP—Babu Singh and Sanatan—in the state assembly. Action was taken against the duo after videos of the incident went viral on social media, with animal rights activists also condemning it and calling for strong action against the accused, the agency added.

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"We are also looking for THE persons who displayed snakes in the theatre. They will also be arrested soon," Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sunny Khokar said.

The name of the arrested organiser was not revealed by the officials.

Earlier in August last year, the state government prohibited the public display of snakes, including by certified snake handlers.

"We have registered a case against the theatre actor who killed the pig and ate its meat in the theatre, and arrested him," said Hinjili police station inspector-in-charge Srinivas Sethy.

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To captivate the audience, a theatre group showcased live snakes and performed a shocking act where a demon character slashed open a live pig tied to the stage ceiling, consuming its organs in front of the crowd, according to witnesses. The event was part of a theatrical performance organized by villagers during the Kanjianal Yatra.