Cockfights continued to be the main attraction during the last three days of the Pongal festival, and they reached peak on Tuesday notwithstanding the orders of the Supreme Court and the High Court.
Main venue
Like last year, the main venue in the city was the open ground at Ramakrishnapuram under Arilova police station limits and it continued to be the hub of activity as thousands from people from different parts of the district participated. And it happened in full public glare and right under the nose of the city police.
The organisers openly defied the ban on use of knives and betting. It is estimated that in the last three days, the betting amount has crossed ₹30 crore.
Director General of Police M. Malakondaiah on Saturday held a videoconference with all the senior officers and asked them to take steps to curb cockfights. But the police reportedly received an order from higher-ups at the last minute, to look the other way as it is said to be part of the tradition and patronised by many influential people, including politicians, industrialists, film stars and realtors.
Section 144 lifted
Two days before ‘Bhogi’ that was celebrated on Sunday, the police had bound over 10 people who were getting the arena readied at Ramakrishnapuram and imposed Section 144.
But on Saturday, the prohibitary order was lifted to facilitate the smooth conduct of the cockfight, said P. Murthy Yadav of the YSR Congress, who had lodged a complaint with the police.
The police also set up a picket in the area to dissuade the people from organising cockfight, but it rather served as an enquiry counter for the participants.
The cockfight was inaugurated by the MLA of the ruling party and is being organised by his followers, and is expected to continue till Wednesday.
People from East Godavari, Vizianagaram and Srikakkulam were also seen participating with their roosters and the use of knives was rampant.
Apart from the punters and organisers, at least 4,000 people were seen at the venue witnessing the blood sport and an air of festivity prevailed at the venue.
Apart from mobile food stalls selling all types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, there were many selling liquor.
