The police have registered cases against hundreds of cockfight organisers and punters in Krishna, Guntur (Urban) and Visakhapatnam districts even as the Sankranti festivities concluded. They have also arrested 1,917 organisers.
The police had earlier said severe action would be taken against those organising the banned bloodsport, the owner for allowing his land to be used for such an activity, punters, villagers who sell roosters, spectators and abettors.
However, no influential person is among those booked. The accused have been arrested under the AP Gaming Act.
The police recovered cash, roosters and knives from the organisers and the punters.
“The arrested, along with the seized fowl, cash and knives, would be produced in court. A detailed report would be submitted to the High Court,” a police officer said.
Vijayawada Police Commissioner D. Gautam Sawang said 456 persons involved in cockfights were arrested in 409 cases. In Krishna district, the police registered 382 cases and apprehended 955 persons for organising and betting on the fights.
In Guntur (Urban) district, the police arrested 353 organisers and punters in 289 cases. In Visakhapatnam, the police booked 32 cases and arrested 153 persons.
“We booked many gamblers and seized cash from them. They would be produced in court,” said Krishna district SP Sarvasreshta Tripathi.
