Sonbhadra: A Ramlila performance held in Khaira village under the Shahganj police station area of Sonbhadra district has taken a serious legal turn after an actor portraying the role of Ravana allegedly lost vision in one eye when an arrow struck him during the enactment. The incident has now led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the complaint, the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on November 13, 2025, during a Ramlila performance organised in Khaira village. Sunil Kumar, a resident of Kunan village and belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, was playing the role of Ravana. His brother, Shivam Lal, has alleged that Naitik Pandey, who was playing the role of Lord Ram, deliberately shot an arrow that hit Sunil Kumar in the eye, causing severe injury and permanent loss of eyesight. The complaint further alleges that the act was carried out at the instigation of the play’s director, Ramsanehi Singh, and was the result of a conspiracy.
The matter has gained further significance due to the social identities involved, with a Brahmin youth reportedly playing the role of Lord Ram, while a Scheduled Caste youth portrayed Ravana. Shivam Lal has claimed that when he raised objections the following day and requested medical assistance for his injured brother, he was allegedly abused and driven away. He also stated that despite approaching the Shahganj police station initially, no action was taken.
Subsequently, Shivam Lal submitted complaints to the Superintendent of Police and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission. Acting on the directions of Superintendent of Police Abhishek Verma, the Shahganj police registered an FIR against two accused persons and initiated an investigation.
Station House Officer Ram Singhasan Sharma confirmed that the FIR has been lodged under relevant sections of the SC/ST Act and the BNS Act based on the allegations made. He added that the case is under investigation and all aspects of the incident are being examined.
Meanwhile, the victim is reportedly undergoing treatment in Varanasi, though the family claims that vision loss in one eye is permanent.
