A shocking incident of animal cruelty has surfaced from Panipat, Haryana, where a buffalo was forced to consume alcohol. The Israna police have officially registered a case regarding this matter after a video of the act went viral on social media. Although the incident reportedly took place two years ago during the Holi festival, the authorities have taken action now following a formal complaint by PETA India. The police have named a local resident in the FIR and investigations are currently underway.
Details of the Viral Video and Complaint
The controversy began when a video resurfaced on social media platforms showing a group of men in Naultha village mistreating a male buffalo, locally known as a jhota. In the footage, two men are seen forcibly holding the animal’s mouth open while a third person pours liquor down its throat. The primary accused has been identified as Kartik Khokhar, a resident of the same village. The video was originally posted on Instagram in March 2024.
PETA India took serious note of the cruelty and approached the police. Ishani Rathi, the Cruelty Response Coordinator for PETA, stated that the animal was subjected to immense pain. She highlighted that the buffalo was restrained with a tight rope and, after being intoxicated, was beaten and forced to pull a heavily loaded cart. The organization has demanded that the buffalo be seized from its current owners for safety and subjected to a medical examination to check for liver or organ damage.
Legal Sections and Police Action
Following the complaint, the Israna police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Kartik Khokhar and other unidentified individuals. The police act is based on the evidence provided in the viral clip. The authorities have invoked strict legal sections to ensure justice is served.
Charges applied in the case:
- PCA Act: Section 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(c) for treating animals cruelly and administering harmful substances.
- IPC Section 429: Punishment for maiming cattle.
- IPC Section 336: Act endangering personal safety of others.
- IPC Section 290 & 34: Public nuisance and acts done with common intention.
The police confirmed that raids are being conducted to apprehend the accused who are seen in the video. Officials stated that such acts of cruelty under the name of tradition or celebration will not be tolerated.
