HYDERABAD: An animal sacrifice at a temple in Warangal during a major festival has caused public outrage and led to police case. Furthermore, the incident drew more attention when reports said that state minister Konda Surekha and her husband were present.
As a result, police filed a criminal case after a video of the ritual went viral.
Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Marapaka Kumaraswamy, also known as Potharaju, for allegedly sacrificing an animal at Sri Kotagandi Maisamma Thalli Temple in Geesugonda Mandal, Warangal. The event happened during the Maisamma Thalli Bonalu celebrations on August 5, 2026. It received attention because Telangana State Minister Konda Surekha was reportedly present when it took place.
Adulapuram Goutham, who manages cruelty prevention at the Stray Animal Foundation of India (SAFI) NGO, filed the complaint. He found out about the incident after seeing a video of the animal sacrifice posted on the Instagram account "mama-nspt_". Specifically, the video showed a person biting a goat's neck during a ritual. After looking into it, officials identified the person as Marapaka Kumaraswamy, a resident of Dupakunta Village in Khila Warangal Mandal.
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The complaint says the animal sacrifice breaks Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), which is about causing serious injuries. In addition, it says the act violates Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which bans causing animals unnecessary pain or suffering. The Telangana Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950, also bans animal and bird sacrifices at or near public religious places. Consequently, police at Geesugonda Station, under the Warangal Police Commissionerate, have registered an FIR and started investigating.
The incident has caused anger among animal rights activists and people who care about animal welfare, especially because it reportedly occurred in front of a senior government minister. The complainant asked the authorities to investigate fairly, check the video and other evidence, find everyone involved, and take legal action.
Animal rights groups supported the FIR and want strict action against those responsible. Moreover, they also asked authorities to make sure no one avoids consequences because of their position or power. Police say they are investigating and will act based on the evidence they collect.