A 45-year-old theatre actor, portraying a demon in a Ramayana performance, was arrested for killing a live pig on stage and consuming its raw meat during a play in Ganjam district, Odisha.

The shocking incident occurred in Ralab village under the Hinjili police station area on November 24 and has triggered widespread condemnation across the state.

Police identified the actor as Bimbadhar Gouda. During the performance, he reportedly ripped open the pig’s stomach as part of his act, horrifying the audience. The act was condemned in the Odisha Assembly on Monday, with lawmakers calling it a display of cruelty and an affront to cultural values.

Authorities have also detained one of the event’s organisers, charging them with cruelty to animals under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and for violating the Wildlife Protection Act.

“We have taken strict action, and both the actor and the organiser are in custody. Such acts of animal cruelty will not be tolerated,” a senior police official stated.

The incident has sparked calls for tighter regulations and oversight of live performances, particularly those involving animals.