Sundargarh: In a blatant violation of Odisha High Court’s ban on the customary animal sacrifice at any holy abode of Hindu deity, especially “Devi Pithas” (pious spots of the fiery incarnation of Hindu Goddess) across the state, goats were sacrificed on the occasion of Vijayadashami at Lephripada Police Station, 25 km from the district headquarters on Tuesday.
The police station premises have an age-old holy abode of Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of western Odisha.
Every year, ‘boda’ (male goats) are offered to the ‘Devi’ by the local devotees as a mark of gratitude for having fulfilled their wishes as well as to propitiate her.
As per the tradition, the ritual of sacrifice starts at 7 am and the police station offers three male goats to the deity followed by other devotees.
The meat of the animals was also allegedly prepared on station premises by the police for feasting.
“Blind belief is a part and parcel of people’s faiths which is not free from serious flaws like animal sacrifice even in this modern era. No god or goddess could be appeased by such animal sacrifices,” social activist Suru Mishra said.
“It’s condemnable and illegal as the police and district administration are expected to execute the law and create awareness against animal sacrifice. Stringent action should be taken even against custodians of law breaching the law of the land,” Mishra added.
District BJP leader Himanshu Sekhar Sarangi criticised the police for having violated the Animal Protection Act and Odisha High Court’s order.
“When man has successfully made his mission to the Mars and media is continuously creating awareness against animal sacrifice, such acts are unjustified. The blatant violation of Animal Protection Act can never be entertained. Being educated and also being the protector of law, it’s not expected from them to be mute spectators,” he said.
CNN News 18 tried reaching out to Sundargarh SP and the IG, Western Range, but they refused to comment on the issue.
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