In a disquieting turn of events, around 50 goats have reportedly been sacrificed in an inhumane manner at the Bheemanna Jatara held in the Raikal region of Jagtial district. The three-day celebration concluded on Tuesday at the Bheemeswara Temple.
Videos obtained by local animal rights activists depict men brutally killing goats through biting their throats as part of the ritualistic sacrifice. Following a complaint, authorities have registered an FIR against the event organizers under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Telangana Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act.
Chitneni Sudheer Rao, sub-inspector at Raikal police station, confirmed the registration of the case and the initiation of an investigation. Locals claim that between 50 and 70 goats were sacrificed as part of a ritual called ‘gavu pattadam’, in which animals are killed by biting them alive.
The videos obtained show men carrying out the gruesome ritual within the temple premises, with some local policemen trying to maintain order but seemingly unable to prevent the sacrifices. Activist and complainant Adulapuram Goutham has expressed concern over the continued practice of animal and bird sacrifices at various temples in Telangana despite their illegality. He alleged that nobody, including police personnel present at the Bheemanna Jatara venue, attempted to halt the sacrifices.
Raikal police, however, asserted that they were only present for security purposes and did not witness any animal sacrifices. Local organizers have admitted to the alleged practices but did not comment further on the matter. The issue raises questions regarding the enforcement of laws prohibiting such cruel practices and calls for stricter measures to protect animals from inhumane treatments.
