Andhra: This Sankranti, bettors wager crores on bloodied cockfights; police use drones for surveillance

Amaravati: Come Sankranti, many villages in the Godavari region and coastal Andhra Pradesh are gearing up for the controversial tradition of cockfighting.

During the three-day festival starting January 13, crores of rupees are expected to be wagered in Krishna, NTR, Eluru and Godavari districts.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh State police are using drones to prevent these cockfights.

What is Cockfighting?

Cockfighting involves pitting two roosters against each other in a brutal fight, often to the death. The roosters are equipped with razor-sharp, curved blades on their spurs, making the fight extremely violent. Typically, the battle ends with one or both birds succumbing to their injuries. The surviving rooster, if any, often dies later due to grievous wounds. Cockfighting remains a popular but illegal activity during Sankranti, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

A Fierce Showdown

Every year, cockfighting events are set to showcase a fierce rivalry between the exotic Peruvian double-crossed rooster and the native Aseel, a fighter bird known for its strength and agility.

Breeders in the East and West Godavari districts, along with Krishna and Guntur districts, have been carefully training and feeding these roosters to make them formidable contenders, aiming to captivate betting enthusiasts.

Despite repeated warnings from authorities, thousands of illegal cockfighting arenas are expected to emerge in rural and interior regions. These venues will see trained roosters battling to the death while onlookers place large bets. In some urban areas, cockfights have even become a part of the Sankranti celebrations. Reports suggest that relatives of many political leaders are involved in organizing and promoting these events.

"I have been witnessing cockfights for many years in Bhimavaram. They set up tents, and organize so we'll with Crores of betting. This year too the fights begin, and it becomes more intense from Bhogi festival day," said Siva, a native of Bhimavaram.

The Value of Skilled Roosters

A breeder from the Godavari region revealed that Peruvian roosters are highly skilled and extraordinarily active during fights, making them a popular choice for these deadly contests. Enthusiasts from Rayalaseema, other parts of Andhra Pradesh, and even Telangana have reportedly paid between ₹2 to ₹3 lakh per bird for the Sankranti matches.

According to sources, betting operations during these three days could be around ₹1,000 crore, with thousands of participants, including politicians, NRIs, software professionals, and youngsters, rooting for their chosen feathered fighters.

Collectors on High Alert

District collectors in the Godavari region and other districts have issued stern warnings against those organizing cockfights or indulging in illegal activities. Dr. G Lakshmisha, the collector of the NTR district, emphasized that strict action would be taken against violators and unveiled an awareness poster by the animal husbandry department, highlighting the prohibition of cockfighting.

Police use drones:

The State police are using drones and artificial intelligence to control the organisers from conducting cockfights during the festivities.

Director general of police Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao held a video conference meeting with all the district superintendent of police (SPs) and inspector general of police (IG) rank officers and instructed them to intensify the checkings.

The police have about 130 high quality drones and the teams will carry out periodical drone based patrolling in all the identified problematic locations.

Legal Implications

Cockfighting is prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Section 11(1)(m)(ii) of the Act deems inciting animal fights an offense, while Section 11(1)(n) criminalizes organizing, managing, or permitting spaces for such activities. Violations are categorized as cognizable offenses, carrying legal consequences.

Tradition vs. Law

While supporters argue that cockfighting is a cultural tradition tied to Sankranti, the practice remains a brutal and illegal act that inflicts immense suffering on the animals involved. Authorities face significant challenges in curbing this practice, especially given reports of prominent figures allegedly backing these events.

As Sankranti festivities commence, all eyes are on whether authorities can enforce the law and put an end to this blood sport, or if the illegal cockfights will dominate the celebrations once again.