As preventive measures to check massive animal sacrifice for the Sulia Yatra on Tuesday, the Balangir district administration on Monday clamped Section 144 of CrPC at six places, including Khairaguda. Sub-Collector Brajabandhu Bhol said prohibitory orders at six places, including Khairaguda, Sanakhala and Badakhala have been proclaimed to prevent animal sacrifice.
“Adequate police arrangements have been made at the sacrifice sites. Magistrates will also be mobilised to monitor the situation,” said Bhol. The tribal association and the Sulia Puja committee have decided to slaughter animals and birds on a large scale to appease their goddess and warned the police administration against any intervention in their tradition.
Despite the Odisha High Court’s orders and the district administration’s attempt to prevent animal sacrifice, hundreds of animals and birds are slaughtered every year to mark the festival at Khairaguda.