A total of 25 persons were injured in a jallikattu held at Iyyampalayam near Batlagundu on Sunday as part Sri Chinna Muthalamman Temple festival. Two grievously injured tamers were referred to the Batlagundu Government Hospital.
Iyyampalayam was the only village in the district that got permission to conduct two jallikattu events in two days for a single temple festival. A majority of the bulls that took part in the first event held on Saturday stayed at the village to take part in the next day event.
Several bulls stood in the field for a long time and tossed youths in all directions, posing a grave threat to tamers. Tamers ran in all directions for safety. Despite a rivalry between the organisers, both the events attracted a sizeable gathering. People were standing on both sides of the barricade to witness the event.
Prizes ranging from silver and gold coins, steel almirah, bicycle, vessels, steel cot to cash were given. Around 400 bulls from Dindigul, Natham, Sivaganga, Sholavandhan, Theni, Chinnamanur, Palamedu, Alanganallur, Tiruchi, Manapparai and Madurai took part.
The Armed Reserve Police were deployed at the venue to manage the crowd and spectators. Veterinary doctors checked the health condition of bulls before allowing them to enter the arena.
Around 18 persons were injured in the first day event. Around 230 bulls took part.
A section of villagers arranged the jallikattu. Initially, the revenue officials had informed organisers that permission would be granted for only one event for one village and refused to grant permission to organise the two events by rival groups.
The revenue officials too inspected the spot and finalised. When both the sections stuck to their stand and determined to conduct the events separately, the officials allowed them to conduct the two events.
