Himachal: Video of goat sacrifice goes viral, case registered

An FIR was registered in Rohru after a video of a goat being publicly slaughtered on a bridge in broad daylight went viral on social media platforms. The action violates the directives of the Supreme Court and the Himachal Pradesh high court prohibiting animal sacrifices in public spaces.

Police swung into action after a video was widely shared on social media. The video shows the ritual performed in the presence of a deity and vehicles stopped on the bridge with spectators witnessing the sacrifice.

Social activist Surendra Papta filed a formal complaint seeking action against those present at the scene. Following the complaint, an FIR was registered against unknown persons under relevant sections. Authorities are scanning CCTV footage and video to identify those present there.

In many parts of Himachal Pradesh, it is a common tradition to sacrifice animals in public view during religious festivals and celebrations. In September 2014, the Himachal Pradesh high court banned animal sacrifice.

On December 5, Mandi police had registered a case after an animal sacrifice was reportedly performed in front of a large number of people, including schoolchildren, during a religious function at Chail Chowk. The animals were sacrificed during the devsthapna, the ritual installation of a deity.