Despite being banned, illegal cockfights were held in several parts of Andhra Pradesh during the Sankranti festival. These incidents once again raised serious concerns over enforcement and animal cruelty.
One such case in Tadepalligudem shocked locals due to the massive betting amounts involved. The event reportedly drew large crowds and heavy gambling.
In this particular cockfight, a bettor is said to have won Rs 1.53 crore. The fight was between two roosters owned by Ramesh from Rajahmundry and Prabhakar from Gudivada.
As many people gathered to watch, huge sums of money were placed on the birds. Ramesh’s rooster eventually won the fight, leading to the enormous cash gain.
Cockfighting is banned due to its brutal nature and its link to illegal gambling. Sharp blades are often tied to the birds, causing severe injuries, bloodshed, and death.
Despite repeated warnings from authorities ahead of Sankranti, such events continued in secret locations. These incidents highlight ongoing issues of animal cruelty and weak law enforcement during festival periods.
