High stakes and bloodshed as rooster fights defy State ban across districts

Despite bans and stern directives from the State government and district authorities prohibiting the illegal bloodsport of rooster fights, makeshift arenas hosting the events along with gambling came up across the Krishna and Godavari districts on Friday.

Men and women, young and old alike, were seen participating in betting without fear or inhibition, with many defending the activity as a long-standing festival tradition. At an arena near Bhimavaram, a woman jumped from her seat in the VIP gallery after her rooster Sethu won a bout. “It took just a few moves for Sethu to kill the opponent,” she exclaimed. “Sethu has won three games today and many people are surprised by its stamina and fighting skills,” said its trainer.

Similar scenes were witnessed at arenas in P. Gannavaram, Razole, Palakol, Srungavruksham, Edupugallu, Ramavarappadu, Tiruvuru, Nandigama, Gudivada and other areas across Eluru, Krishna, West Godavari, N.T.R. and neighbouring districts.

Women were seen occupying VIP galleries at several venues, while men and youth thronged the arenas. Gambling activities such as ‘gundata’, ‘number lata’ and other games were also organised alongside the rooster fights.

Many families travelled from far-off places to visit the rooster fight arenas during the Sankranti festival this year. A festive atmosphere was seen at almost all the venues, said a woman visitor near Palakol in West Godavari district.

Organisers arranged snacks, ice cream parlours, bakeries and fast food stalls for visitors. According to organisers, a punter won five consecutive rooster fights and bagged a bullet motorcycle at an arena near Bhimavaram. Locals said another punter won ₹1.5 crore in a single bet after his rooster defeated its rival near Tadepalligudem.

Rooster fights and gambling continued till late in the night on Kanuma on Friday, in violation of the ban and official orders.