The Forest Department has slapped a fine of ₹ 15,000 each on four persons for trespassing into the reserve forests near their villages in Vazhappadi block, and catching a fox for the conduct of fox jallikattu during the Pongal festival season.
According to the department sources fox jallikattu is banned.
Many in Chinnammanaickenpalayam village, near Vazhappadi, catch foxes from the forest and organise the jallikattu on the Kaanum Pongal Day.
On Wednesday villagers took a fox in procession around the village. Later, they chased it after tying its hind legs using a rope before letting it back into the forest.
The Forest Department has registered a case against S. Venkachalam (44), and A. Ganesan (55), both hailing from Ranganoor village.
Similarly a fox jallikattu was held in the local temple ground in Ranganoor village too.
