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In the wake of a controversy surrounding the naming of a lion and lioness as ‘Akbar’ and ‘Sita’ in the North Bengal Wild Animals Park, the Tripura government has suspended Prabin Lal Agrawal, the state’s principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife and ecotourism). The suspension was prompted by a complaint filed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to the Calcutta High Court, alleging that the names of the lions hurt religious sentiments.
The lions were transferred from the Sepahijala Zoological Park in Tripura to the North Bengal Wild Animals Park on February 12 as part of an animal exchange program. However, the controversy arose due to the names chosen by the Sepahijala Zoological Park.
Akbar, associated with the Mughal Empire, and Sita, the consort of Lord Rama in Hindu mythology, became subjects of contention. The VHP petitioned the Calcutta High Court, urging a change in names, claiming they offended religious sentiments.
Tripura Official Suspended Over Lioness Sita Row
In a verbal observation, the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta HC suggested that naming the lioness and lion “Sita” and “Akbar” should have been avoided to prevent controversy. Justice Bhattacharyya questioned the appropriateness of naming animals after deities, mythological figures, freedom fighters, or Nobel laureates, emphasizing that such controversies should have been anticipated and avoided.
The bench recommended that the West Bengal Zoo Authority reconsider and rename the lions thoughtfully, raising questions about whether a lion could be named after figures like Swami Vivekananda or Ramakrishna Paramahansa. Justice Bhattacharya expressed disapproval of the chosen names, highlighting the need to avoid unnecessary controversies in the naming of animals.
