A video clipping of Junior NTR fans slaughtering a lamb during the release of his latest movie Nannaku Prematho on Wednesday is doing rounds on the internet. The brutal video, which you can watch below, is now being investigated by the police and has led to Humane Society International demanding for legal action.
According to a Facebook post by Dasaratha Somu , this incident took place on January 13 at Lakshmi Cinema hall Pulivendula in Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh.
In the video clip fans are seen killing a lamb as part of their celebrations on the release of their favorite actor's movie at a theatre in Kadapa district, and celebrating the lamb sacrifice with loud cheers and whistles. The fans also then smear the blood of the massacred lamb on Junior NTR’s posters.
You can watch the video, which has been edited, below. Viewer discretion advised.
A senior police officer from Pulivendula told TNM, “I haven't heard of the incident yet, so If anybody complaints and sends me the copy of the video we will definitely take strict action against them.”
The NGO Humane Society International however wants legal action, and members say that the police can initiate legal action based on the video without a complaint. ''Police can take strict action against the people behind this video without any complaint. This is illegal under Indian law,” said a member of HIS.
Shreya Paropkari, Cruelty Response Manager, HSI India says, “This is a dastardly act and it’s really unfortunate that in spite of a huge group present no one stopped it. It violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Slaughter House Rules 2001 and the FSSAI Regulations 2011. We will file a complaint against the people and ensure adequate action is taken. This is not the first time we are hearing of such an act during a movie release however, we would like to appeal to actors to urge their fans and fan clubs to not indulge in these heinous activities in the future.”
The slaughter of animals for food is regulated by the Slaughter House Rules 2001 and the FSSA Regulations 2011, apart from the PCA act.