It has been filed against P. Sudhakar, D. Gangadhar, and other organisers of the Bheemanna Jathara held at the Bheemanna Temple

An FIR has been registered against several individuals for allegedly arranging and permitting mass animal sacrifice in Raikal town in Jagityal district of Telangana, news agency ANI reported on Friday.

The FIR was registered on February 3, 2026, under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 6 of the Telangana Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act (TABSPA), and Section 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA).

It has been filed against P. Sudhakar, D. Gangadhar, and other organisers of the Bheemanna Jathara held at the Bheemanna Temple in Raikal town for allegedly arranging and permitting mass animal sacrifice.

According to a report by The Economic Times, disturbing videos have surfaced online showing men killing goats by biting their throats as part of a traditional ritual in Jagtial district.

Citing reports, it added that the event took place during a three-day Bheemanna Jatara at the Bheemeswara Temple in Raikal, which concluded on Tuesday.

It further said, citing The Times of India (TOI), that the ritual of killing animals was carried out by men within the temple premises, while police personnel were seen in the crowd.

The sub-inspector of Raikal police station, Chitneni Sudheer Rao, has confirmed to TOI, as quoted by The Economic Times, that an FIR has been registered, adding that an investigation has also been initiated.

According to The Economic Times, the ritual is known as ‘gavu pattadam’. It added, citing locals, that between 50 and 70 goats were sacrificed during the ritual, in which the animals are killed by biting their throats while alive.

Temple organisers have defended the practice, citing long-standing local traditions.

Devuni Lingaiah, a temple pujari, told TOI, “Locals believe their wishes will be fulfilled if goats are sacrificed like this.” Another local, Rajesh, said, “We don’t consider these sacrifices inhumane. This is part of our tradition.”

Activists have claimed that in the past six months, at least seven similar cases have been reported from Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Siddipet, Nizamabad, and Adilabad.

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