Despite ban, high-stake rooster fights thrive during Sankranti in Anakapalli

Despite the judicial ban and strict prohibitions in place, the district of Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh is gearing up for the high-stakes cockfights during the three-day Sankranti festival, starting with Bhogi on Wednesday (January 14). Tensions between deep-rooted traditions and the rule of law has reached a boiling point across the region.

In a strategic shift, to evade law enforcement, cockfight organisers have moved the venues away from traditional village squares. Secluded layouts are being prepared near farm fields, and mango and cashew orchards, far away from the main roads, said sources.

Unlike previous years, punters this year are bracing for stakes ranging between ₹5 lakh and ₹15 lakh per match. The demand for high-performance fighting roosters like Nemali, Dega, Kaaki, Rasangi, and Peruvian have seen prices soar, with individual roosters fetching between ₹10,000 and ₹25,000 each. “These breeds are fighters, jump higher, and are much more aggressive than local varieties,” says P. Swami Naidu (name changed), a resident of Anakapalli district.

The roosters, are fed a specialised diet of almonds, cashews, and meat to build stamina. During fights, they are fitted with razor-sharp blades that result in the death of the losing rooster within minutes.

Cockfighting remains a punishable offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974. The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently reiterated its directive to the State government to enforce the ban strictly, even suggesting the imposition of Section 144 near known cockfight venues, said Anakapalli Additional Superintendent of Police M. Deva Prasad.

Speaking to The Hindu on Monday (January 12), Mr. Prasad said, “We are keeping a constant vigil across the district to ensure that cockfights are not organised. Our teams are using technology, including drones and AI-based surveillance, to monitor remote areas.”

Police records indicate that approximately 50 cases related to cockfighting have been booked this month in Anakapalli alone, and over 120 roosters seized.

However, locals said that the “blood sport” persists due to deep-rooted culture, tradition and the backing of influential figures.

Additionally, to mitigate the risk of being traced by authorities while carrying large volumes of cash, organisers and punters have shifted toward using ‘digital wallets’. The technological pivot complicates the task for law enforcement, as transactions are hidden within encrypted apps and peer-to-peer transfers.

“Authorities usually let us celebrate Sankranti with our traditional activities. With political figures involved, cockfights may prove unstoppable,” said P. Sriramulu (name changed) of Cheedikada mandal in the district