Arunachal Pradesh musician Kon Waii Son has been booked by police after an onstage act in which he killed a chicken and drank its blood sparked outrage.
The incident occurred during a recent performance in Itanagar, and authorities registered an FIR against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
The FIR, filed on Monday at Itanagar Police Station, was prompted by a complaint from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, who condemned the act as animal abuse. Video footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp criticism and bringing the issue into public focus.
PETA India has called for psychiatric evaluation and counseling for Son, asserting that acts of animal cruelty often signal deeper psychological issues. They further emphasized research linking animal abuse to an increased likelihood of committing other violent crimes, including murder and assault. A study cited by PETA indicates that individuals who abuse animals are three times more likely to engage in criminal activities.
In response to rising concerns over animal cruelty, PETA India has also proposed that the Central government amend the PCA Act to significantly raise penalties for animal abuse.