FIR lodged against Arunachal musician for beheading chicken, drinking its blood on stage

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 5, 2024

Itanagar Police have registered an FIR against musician Kon Waii Son following a recent incident in which he allegedly killed a chicken on stage by slitting its throat and then drank its blood during a live performance as part of the Replay India Tour.

This act, captured on video, prompted strong reactions from animal rights organizations. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, upon being alerted to the video, collaborated with local police to take action.

The FIR was filed under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which deals with certain forms of bodily harm, and Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, addressing the cruelty inflicted upon animals. PETA India condemned the act as inhumane and inappropriate, especially in a public setting, and advocated for strict enforcement of animal welfare laws to prevent such incidents in the future.

PETA India has strongly condemned the actions of musician Kon Waii Son emphasizing that resorting to shock tactics like animal cruelty undermines the integrity of true artistry. Sinchana Subramanyan, PETA India’s Cruelty Response Coordinator, stated, “If you’re an artist who feels the need to resort to shock tactics like cruelty to animals, then it’s time to consider another job.”

PETA India applauded the efforts of Itanagar’s Superintendent of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh and officer-in-charge Khiksi Yangfo for their prompt action in registering an FIR against the musician, underscoring that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

The organization advocates for a broader approach to addressing animal abuse, recommending that those found guilty undergo psychiatric evaluations and counselling, as there is a correlation between animal cruelty and violent behaviours towards humans.

Citing research from the Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal, PETA pointed out that individuals who commit acts of animal cruelty are often more likely to engage in other criminal activities, including violent crimes.

The organization is also pushing for reforms in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, highlighting its outdated penalties. PETA India has proposed significant increases in penalties for animal cruelty to ensure stronger deterrents against such actions. Their motto emphasizes that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way,” reflecting their commitment to animal welfare and legal reforms.