A criminal case has been registered against 16 members of the Kattamaishamma Temple committee in Telangana’s Medchal-Malkajgiri district over allegations of conducting animal sacrifices on temple premises in violation of state law. Police launched the action after an animal welfare activist submitted a complaint supported by videos and social media posts that allegedly showed ritual sacrifices taking place at the temple in Shamirpet.
According to the complaint filed by activist Goutham Adulapuram, videos uploaded on an Instagram page linked to the temple allegedly showed goats and chickens being sacrificed during religious rituals. One of the videos reportedly captured a goat being slaughtered on May 5 inside the temple premises. The complainant claimed that such sacrifices were not isolated incidents and had been taking place regularly with the knowledge and approval of temple organisers.
The activist further alleged that he personally visited the temple on May 10 after receiving information about fresh sacrifices being planned. He told police that a token system was allegedly being used to organise the sacrifices. Adulapuram claimed that preparations for another ritual sacrifice were underway when he arrived at the temple around 5:46 pm.
Also Read: Korean Air Flight Aborts Landing at Tokyo Airport After Violent Shaking in Strong Crosswinds
Despite objections raised by the activist, a chicken was allegedly sacrificed in front of him just minutes later. The complaint stated that the practice was being openly conducted in defiance of the Telangana State Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950, which bans animal and bird sacrifices at places of public religious worship.
Based on the complaint and the supporting material, police registered Crime No. 385/2026 under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 6 of the Telangana State Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act. Those named in the FIR include temple committee chairman Bhoom Reddy Vanga, vice-chairmen Narla Ramesh Yadav and Karthik Vasalamarri, along with several other office-bearers, advisors and directors connected to the temple management.
Police said the investigation has been handed over to Sub-Inspector M. Shashivardhan Reddy and that additional evidence, including social media videos and witness statements, is being examined. Animal sacrifice continues to remain a controversial issue in several parts of Telangana, particularly during temple festivals and local jatras, with activists repeatedly demanding stricter enforcement of laws banning the practice.
Also Read: PM Modi Intensifies Austerity Drive, Calls for Domestic Weddings and Online Classes to Combat Oil Crisis