Odisha police today arrested an actor of a Jatra party for allegedly killing a pig on the stage and eating its meat while enacting the role of a demon in front of hundreds of spectators.

The event organiser has also been arrested.

The accused, Bimbadhara Gouda, aged 45, has been arrested following a complaint by the locals of animal cruelty for consuming the animal live on the stage. Bimbadhara, along with other actors, killed the pig with a knife and allegedly consumed raw meat during the theatrical performance of the epic Ramayan, to make it look realistic.

The incident took place on November 24 at Ralab village in Ganjam district. It came to light after a video of the disturbing live scene of the Jatra went viral on social media. It stirred a controversy with animal lovers demanding action against the actor and the Jatra party owner.

Inspector-in-charge, Hinjili police station, Srinivas Sethi told The Telegraph, “We lodged a case suo-mutto after there was public concern over the issue under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The actor brought the pig to the stage and killed it with a knife. They killed the animal by stabbing it in the stomach and ate some raw meat to make it look more real.”

Sethi said: “A case has been lodged under section 325 of BNS (mischief by killing or maiming an animal) and under section 11 of Wildlife (Protection Act) that says no animal shall be ordered to be killed. More people are likely to be arrested in this connection.”

Divisional forest officer Berhampur Sunny Khokar told The Telegraph, “We have also arrested the event organiser, Naryan Swain, under the Wildlife Protection Act. The organiser allowed snakes to be brought on stage. The police also arrested the actor. The investigation is being coordinated with the police. More people are likely to be arrested on this issue. The incident violates the rules that prohibit public display of snakes even by certified handlers”

The issue also rocked the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Monday. The BJP MLA from Badasahi, Sanatan Bijuli demanded stern action against Jatra party owners and urged the government to initiate steps to streamline the Jatra: "Its difficult to go and see the Jatra along with the family members. People became reckless and inhumane too” said the MLA.

Meanwhile, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has asked Jatra Party owners to obtain permission from collectors regarding children's participation in their shows.