Even as police issue strict warnings, Sankranti gambling preparations are picking up pace across several regions. Authorities have clearly said no to gambling activities during the festival.
However, punters appear undeterred and are moving ahead with excitement. Gambling is being organised under the guise of the three-day Sankranti celebrations.
Cock fights, gundata, and card games are being arranged openly. Around 50 pockets are reportedly preparing for large-scale festive gambling.
In Amalapuram, preparations are in full swing. In I Polavaram mandal, close to the Muramalla Vireswaraswamy temple, a special cock fight arena is being set up.
This arena is reportedly meant for VVIPs. Organisers have already arranged a large gallery and a dedicated shed for VIP guests.
Similar arrangements are underway in Kartenikona Cheyyuru. Large-scale preparations are also being seen in Mummidivaram Rajupalem.
In Mummidivaram Rajupalem, cock fights are being organised as usual on a massive scale. Here, Rs 5.5 lakh from village development funds has reportedly been allocated for conducting gundata.
Preparations are also underway in Allamvaram, Malikipuram, Sakinetipalli, Ravulapalem, P Gannavaram, Rajolu, Kottapeta, I Polavaram, Iyinavilli, and Ambajipeta mandals.
Several other areas in and around Amalapuram are also being readied. High-stake gambling games and cock fights are expected to take place despite police warnings.
