Disturbing Animal Sacrifice Incident in Jagtial District Sparks Legal Action
A deeply troubling incident of animal sacrifice has emerged from Jagtial district in Telangana, where approximately 50 goats were killed in what animal rights activists describe as an inhumane and barbaric manner. The ritual, which took place during a local temple festival, involved men killing the goats by biting them on the throat to make them bleed as part of the sacrificial practice.
Graphic Videos Capture Cruel Ritual at Bheemanna Jatara
Videos recorded by animal rights activists show the shocking method of sacrifice known locally as 'gavu pattadam', where animals are bitten while alive and left to die. The sacrifices occurred on Tuesday, marking the final day of the three-day Bheemanna Jatara held at the Bheemeswara Temple in Raikal.
According to eyewitness accounts and activist reports, between 50 and 70 goats were sacrificed during this ritual. The videos accessed by media show men carrying out the brutal practice within the temple premises, with some local policemen visible in the crowd attempting to maintain order.
Police Register FIR Under Multiple Legal Provisions
Based on a formal complaint, Raikal police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the organizers under several legal sections:
- Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to mischief by killing or maiming animals
- Section 6 of the Telangana Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950, which prescribes penalties for violating the ban on animal sacrifices
- Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, relating to the killing or poisoning of animals by multiple persons
"We registered a case and started investigation," confirmed Chitneni Sudheer Rao, sub inspector of Raikal police station.
Activists Condemn Police Inaction and Widespread Practice
Activist and complainant Adulapuram Goutham expressed outrage at the incident, stating: "Gavu pattadam is among the cruellest methods of killing animals, as they are bitten while alive and left to die." He further alleged that despite animal and bird sacrifices being illegal in Telangana, such practices continue at many temples with impunity.
Goutham specifically criticized the police presence at the event, claiming: "Nobody, including police personnel, present at the Bheemanna jatara venue tried to stop the sacrifices." However, Raikal police maintained they were present only for bandobast (security arrangements) and did not witness any sacrifices taking place.
Organizers Defend Tradition Despite Legal Prohibitions
Organizers of the event acknowledged that animal sacrifices at local village jataras are commonplace and defended the practice as a long-standing tradition. Devuni Lingaiah, the temple pujari and one of the organizers, explained: "Locals believe their wishes will be fulfilled if goats are sacrificed like this."
Another local devotee, identified as Rajesh, shared that some jataras witness lakhs of animals being sacrificed during events. "We don't consider these sacrifices inhumane. This is part of our tradition," he stated, adding that this particular jatara is held during the January-February period according to customs followed by various castes and communities.
Pattern of Similar Incidents Across Telangana
Activists have highlighted that despite existing laws against animal sacrifices, at least seven such cases have been reported across Telangana in the last six months from districts including:
- Rajanna Sircilla
- Karimnagar
- Siddipet
- Nizamabad
- Adilabad
According to activist estimates, close to 100 animals have been sacrificed in such rituals during this period. The Bheemanna Jatara itself attracted about 10,000 people from various parts of Telangana and outside the state, with festivities beginning on February 1.
The incident has reignited debates about religious traditions versus animal welfare laws, with activists calling for stricter enforcement of existing prohibitions while traditional practitioners defend their centuries-old customs. The police investigation continues as authorities grapple with balancing cultural sensitivities with legal obligations to prevent cruelty to animals.
