Nagaon: An FIR has been registered against a performer in Assam’s Nagaon district after videos surfaced allegedly showing him killing a goat and pigeon during a stage performance.
The action follows intervention by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, which took up the matter with the police after the clips circulated online.
According to PETA India, the videos show the artist identified as Pranju (Pranjal) Saikia dragging and then apparently tearing apart a young goat and seemingly beheading a pigeon during a stage performance.
In the videos, the accused can be seen dragging the goat, and then he goes backstage, the curtain falls and then comes back on stage holding the bleeding limb of the goat.
In another clip from an earlier performance, Pranjal is seen picking up a pigeon from a prop tree and beheading the bird by using his hands and teeth.
PETA claimed that the event in question was the 26th such performance, alleging that multiple animals may have been killed in similar acts.
Police have registered a case under Sections 325 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023; and Section 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
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The FIR names both the performer and event organiser Dadul Bordoloi. The accused persons were arrested and released on bail. An investigation is currently underway.
Commenting on the development, PETA India Cruelty Response Coordinator Ishani Rathee said, “If you’re an artist who feels the need to resort to shock tactics like cruelty to animals, then it’s time to consider another job. Real artists rely on their talent to get noticed. We commend Nagaon Police, especially Senior Superintendent of Police, Shri Swapnaneel Deka, for directing immediate action in this matter and the officer-in-charge of Jajori police station, Shri Tanuj Kumar Doley, for registering the FIR and sending the message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.”
PETA India has further called for psychiatric evaluation and counseling for individuals involved in animal abuse, stating that research shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting other animals, including humans.
PETA India has also reiterated its long-standing demand for stronger penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, describing the existing fines as outdated and inadequate.
The animal rights group has urged the central government to amend the PCA Act, to significantly enhance penalties for cruelty to animals.
