A bull rearer and a spectator died at the Jallikattu event held in Alanganallur, on Friday.
V. Sridhar (27) who was attempting to lead a bull through the vaadivasal -- the entry point of the arena -- was gored to death by his own bull while he was trying to ensure it got out of the narrow path between the holding area and the entry point.
The patient suffered deep puncture wounds above the stomach and below the chest, said Government Rajaji Hospital Resident Medical Officer, A. Srilatha.
Another patient M. Chellapandi (35) was brought dead to the GRH after fainting while watching the event, the doctor added.
The Jallikattu started early on Friday morning, with the people of Alanganallur sounding songs, cheers and whistles, when the first bull was released at 7.47 a.m. through the vadivasal.
Revenue Minister R. B. Udayakumar, MLAs from Madurai, District Collector T. G. Vinay and Retired Principal District Judge C. Manickam who has been appointed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court as Chairman of the organising committee for jallikattu in Avaniyapuram, Palamedu and Avaniyapuram, inaugurated the event.
After an initial inspection of the arena by officials from the District Administration and the Police department, various stakeholders including the players took an oath to play the sport ethically.
Many bulls could not easily get out of the vadivasal as it was difficult to remove the noose tied around their neck and nose. Only around 30 bulls were released in the first round according to the members of the organising committee. A total of 75 players entered the arena in the first round. At the end of the third round, a total of 220 bulls were released.
Organising committee members gave away cash, gold coins, cycles, grinders, clothes, mobiles and vessels. Their commentary also garnered traction for humour. The best players of the first round progressed to the second round.
COMMents
SHARE