Yogesh K Porwar
Police have registered cases in connection with alleged illegal animal sacrifices at two temples in the city, following complaints by activists and intervention by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.
According to PETA India,incidents of animal sacrifice were reported at Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple in Jakkuru and Sri Muneshwara Devasthana in Begur, where Hens and goats were allegedly killed within temple premises in violation of the Karnataka Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act, 1959.
On March 10,activists Joe George Cherian and Vamsi Krishna Reddy visited the Jakkuru temple and documented visuals showing beheaded chickens being collected in sacks inside the premises.
Acting on directions from the local police station,they alerted the 112 emergency helpline.Hoysala patrol personnel reached the spot and reportedly warned temple authorities,but no immediate legal action was taken.
The activists alleged that while leaving the premises, they were surrounded by individuals associated with the temple and forced to delete the recorded evidence from their mobile phones in the presence of police personnel.
However,some of the visuals had already been shared with PETA India.
Following further escalation,activist Dr Mahesh Udupa approached the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-East Division) on April 4,after which instructions were issued to register a case.
Subsequently,Amruthahalli Police registered an FIR under Sections 3,5, and 6 of the Karnataka Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act,1959,along with Sections 3(5) and 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
In a separate incident on April 7,Vamsi Krishna Reddy reported similar acts of animal sacrifice at Sri Muneshwara Devasthana in Begur.
Based on his complaint,supported by time stamped video evidence,Begur Police registered an FIR under Sections 3 and 6 of the Karnataka Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act, Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Section 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
PETA India has urged the Bengaluru City Police and district administration to take strict action to prevent such illegal practices.
The organisation stated that animal sacrifice in places of public religious worship is prohibited under law and punishable with imprisonment,fine,or both.
