A punter counts currency notes at a cockfighting arena, near Gannavaram, Krishna district ahead of the harvest festival. | Photo Credit: GN RAO
Police are gearing up to use technology to prevent cockfights during Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh this year.
The banned blood sport, which is heavily sponsored in rural areas, is performed in a grand manner during the annual harvest festival.
Since its ban by the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2016, the police have been trying to enforce and prevent cruelty to birds.
“In the name of fun, cockfights are organized throughout the year in Krishna, NTR, Eluru and Godavari districts, especially during Sankranti. Despite the ban, cockfighting is held in a big way every year,” said V. Shekar, a native of Penamaluru in Krishna district.
“The green fields are soaked in blood and a lot of birds die in the war every year. In the middle of the shoulder, the villagers enjoy the blood sport in the fields. Under the guise of tradition, promoters of cockfighting kill birds in large numbers during the harvest festival,” said Pusala Jyothsna, an animal lover.
Organizers are making elaborate arrangements to fight cocks under bright lights. Arenas are arranged on the banks of Krishna and Godavari in Krishna, Eluru, NTR and other districts.
Realtors, businessmen, NRIs, film stars and celebrities from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and other countries attend the battlegrounds with their families. Some rupees change hands in bets made on such platforms.
This year, police are planning to deploy drones to check on roosters. The police are making programs to raise awareness about the banned game and explain to the citizens the consequences of engaging in this illegal practice during the festival.
Recently, the police raided a factory manufacturing knives used in cockfighting near Nuzvid in Eluru district, and seized a large number of knives, implements and paraphernalia.
The police also raided gambling houses and cockfighting arenas, arresting offenders and those previously arrested for cockfighting.
“Cockfighting games are banned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the AP Gaming Act, 1974,” said activists of the Animal Welfare Board of India, while urging the government to take steps to stop cockfighting.
“We will plant drones this year. “Many of the organizers of cockfights and gamblers have been arrested so far,” said the police officer.
Krishna district collector DK Balaji has directed the concerned police to form teams and take steps to prevent cock fights.
Police Commissioner SV Rajashekar Babu said that steps will be taken to enforce the ban on cockfighting.
Published – January 05, 2025 06:48 pm IST