Legal Action Initiated Against Balakrishna Fans for Goat Sacrifice
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Synopsis
In Tirupati, police have filed an FIR against five fans of Tollywood actor Balakrishna for beheading a goat to celebrate the release of his film 'Daku Maharaj'. PETA India collaborated with authorities to address this act of animal cruelty, emphasizing the need for compassion and respect for animals.
Key Takeaways
- FIR filed against five fans for goat sacrifice.
- PETA India collaborated with police for the investigation.
- The incident occurred outside a movie theater on the film's release day.
- Video evidence shows the cruel act in public.
- PETA condemns the act as a crime against animals.
Tirupati, Jan 17 (NationPress) The police in Tirupati filed a First Information Report (FIR) against five individuals identified as fans of renowned Tollywood actor Balakrishna for the ritualistic beheading of a goat, purportedly to celebrate the success of his newly released film ‘Daku Maharaj’.
PETA India collaborated with the Tirupati police to ensure that the FIR was filed under multiple legal provisions, including sections 325 & 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; sections 4 & 5, in conjunction with 6 & 8 of the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, 1950; and sections 3, 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The gruesome act took place outside the Pratap movie theatre in Tata Nagar, Tirupati on January 12, coinciding with the film's release date.
Footage of the incident circulated widely on social media platforms. The FIR was logged following a report from a head constable at the Tirupati East Police Station on the evening of January 16.
PETA India stated that the video depicts men encircling a terrified goat, which is then beheaded while fully conscious, all in a public setting. The footage also included a man applying the goat's blood on a movie poster.
PETA India condemned the incident, asserting, “Killing an animal and smearing their blood on a poster doesn't make you a super fan - it makes you a villain and a criminal. True fans celebrate their favourite stars with movie tickets and supportive social media posts, not with acts of violence or cruelty,” said PETA India Cruelty Response Coordinator Saloni Sakaria.
The organization praised the Tirupati police, particularly Superintendent of Police L. Subbarayudu, for promptly filing the FIR and underscoring the message that animal cruelty is unacceptable.
PETA India highlighted that Section 4 of the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, 1950 prohibits individuals from officiating or engaging in animal sacrifices during public congregations. Section 5 forbids the use of public worship sites for such acts, while Section 6 outlines penalties, and Section 8 designates all offenses under the Act as cognizable.
