Tirupati: A drunk temple priest cut off the head of a man instead of a sheep the latter was holding for ritualistic slaughter at a temple in Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh.
The bizarre crime took place in Valasapalli village in Madanapalle mandal when locals were celebrating Pashuvula Pandaga (animal festival) during which sheep is offered to folk goddess Yellamma.
By midnight, most devotees were drunk when the ritual timing neared.
Amid the beating of drums, the priest, who was also intoxicated, went to execute a sheep but instead cut the head of man holding the animal.
The victim was identified as Suresh), 35. He is survived by his wife and two children.
A police officer said the profusely bleeding Suresh died on the way to the Madanapalli hospital.
The priest has been arrested and charged with murder. (UNI)