Actor playing character in Ramayana kills pig on stage, eats raw meat in Odisha

A 45-year-old theatre actor, Bimbadhar Gouda, who portrayed a demon in a Ramayana play, was arrested for ripping open the stomach of a live pig and consuming its raw meat on stage during a performance in Odisha’s Ganjam district. The incident, which occurred on November 24 in Ralab village in the Hinjili police station area, has sparked statewide outrage and condemnation, including in the state assembly.
Videos of the shocking act went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism from animal rights activists and political leaders. Ruling BJP legislators Babu Singh and Sanatan Bijuli strongly condemned the incident in the assembly, calling for strict action against the perpetrators.
Police have arrested Gouda and one of the event’s organisers on charges of animal cruelty and violation of the Wildlife Protection Act.
According to Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sunny Khokar, investigations are ongoing to identify others involved, particularly those responsible for displaying live snakes during the play, another violation of state guidelines issued in August last year.
The guidelines explicitly prohibit the public display of snakes, even by certified handlers.
Hinjili police station inspector-in-charge Srinibas Sethy said the theatre group staged the gruesome act to attract audiences during the Kanjianal Yatra festival.
In a disturbing sequence, the pig was tied to the stage ceiling before Gouda used a knife to rip it open, consuming parts of its raw organs in front of a live audience.
The incident has drawn the ire of animal rights groups, who have demanded stringent action. “We have registered a case and will ensure the culprits face the consequences,” Sethy said.