Peruvian to Aseel: Two lives lost; Rs 1,000 Cr riding on cockfights in Andhra

Vijayawada: Two persons were killed after cockfights turned fatal during the Sankranthi festival in Andhra Pradesh.

In the first incident, K Padma Raju was killed after being injured by the rooster knife (Kodi Kathi) at Ananthapalle village under Nallajerla Mandal in East Godavari district. Locals said Padma Raju was watching the cockfights when a rooster fitted with a sharp knife jumped off the ring and attacked him. He suffered multiple injuries and was rushed to hospital where he succumbed.

In another incident, Suresh, who fits knives to roosters, died after he suffered injuries when a rooster attacked him at Velanka village under Kirlampudi Manal in Kakinada district. Suresh suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital where he lost the battle with life.

COCKFIGHTS

Supreme Court ban was flouted again during Sankranti in different areas The bloody sports were held at several parts in the state and Rs1,000 crore was placed as bets across the state. Punters may increase the stake money as the cockfights will continue till Tuesday.

Peruvian Roosters Vs Traditional Aseel

This year cockfights were special as most people witnessed the fiery battle between the exotic Peruvian crossed roosters and the traditional Aseel, the Indian fighter bird known for its fight-unto-death traits.

Fighter roosters from Peru were pushed into the cockfight arenas in remote areas of the Godavari-Krishna deltas.

Though Aseel roosters continue to dominate the cockfights, some organizers have introduced the Peruvian crossed birds to try their luck. Cockfights come with a price as lakhs of rupees are bet on each bird in specially designed arenas in the rural side of the state. The exotic birds were first introduced in 2021 but their fighter skills could not be fully tested due to Covid-19 restrictions. Now organizers are placing bets on the foreign breed hoping that it would outsmart the traditional Aseel.

Peruvian crossed roosters are said to be equally skilled when it comes to fighting to the finish and are in high demand this year. Many farms raised Aseel and other local breeds for fights. Fine quality Aseel roosters were sold at Rs 1.5 lakh a bird. But the exotic rooster from the South American continent is gradually taking over the arenas thanks to its attacking nature.

Aseel birds are slower in comparison to Peruvian roosters, but the former is very strong and can fight a long battle. As Aseel and Peruvian roosters have their advantages and disadvantages, some enterprising breeders in Krishna, Eluru, and NTR districts have developed a new breed of fighter bird a mix of Peruvian and Aseel birds.