Cockfights ban flouted in AP: Betting events held under floodlights, VVIP galleries

Amaravati: Defying a clear ban, court directions and repeated police warnings, cockfights were held openly on a large scale across several parts of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday.

On the first day of the Sankranti festival, with heavy betting, elaborate arenas and the presence of public representatives at the events highlighted the failure of enforcement.

Coastal districts turn cockfighting hubs

Cockfights were organised in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, including East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru, Polavaram and Krishna districts.

Despite prohibitory orders, organisers went ahead with the events, drawing large crowds from within the State and neighbouring regions.

Politicians and businessmen among the spectators

Currency notes changed hands freely as hundreds of people participated in betting. The competitions, which began on Wednesday, are expected to continue for all three days of the Sankranti festival.

Politicians, businessmen and other prominent personalities from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and nearby States were seen among the spectators and punters.

Special arrangements include floodlights and VVIP galleries

Organisers set up sprawling, purpose-built arenas resembling cinema sets or cricket grounds. Generators and powerful floodlights were installed to conduct cockfights through the night.

Separate galleries were arranged for women and VVIPs, while parking facilities were created to accommodate hundreds of vehicles.

At several venues, digital screens were installed to livestream the fights. CCTV cameras and private bouncers were deployed to manage crowds and deal with any disturbances.

Cruel contests amid cheers

Well-trained roosters, with sharp knives tied to their legs, were made to fight amid loud cheers from spectators. The fights often ended with the death of one of the birds, drawing criticism from animal rights activists.

Claims of ‘tradition’ by organisers

Some organisers attempted to justify the events by claiming that no betting was involved and that cockfighting is part of the Sankranti tradition.

They argued that court bans apply only to cockfights involving knives tied to roosters’ legs, a claim rejected by animal welfare groups and legal experts.

Political presence raises questions

Several public representatives were seen attending the events, allegedly extending support to the organisers. Their presence, despite official warnings, raised serious questions about enforcement and political patronage.

Authorities step up surveillance

Following directions from the Andhra Pradesh High Court to strictly prohibit cockfighting, police and district administrations had stepped up surveillance ahead of Sankranti.

This included the use of drone cameras and special teams to monitor vulnerable locations.

Kakinada in-charge District Collector Apoorva Bharat said a district-level control room had been set up at the Collectorate to receive information and complaints related to cockfights and gambling activities.

Police issue stern warning

Superintendents of Police from West Godavari, Eluru and Kakinada districts issued a joint warning, stating that cockfights, card games, dice games and all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited.

They cautioned that no antisocial activity would be tolerated under the guise of festival celebrations.

Animal rights groups appeal to public

Ahead of Sankranti, animal rights organisations appealed to citizens not to participate in cockfighting and urged them to report such incidents to the police.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, inciting animal fights is illegal under Section 11(1)(m)(ii). Organising, managing or providing a venue for such fights is a cognisable offence under Section 11(1)(n).

Despite legal provisions, court orders and repeated official warnings, the continuation of cockfighting during Sankranti has once again exposed gaps in enforcement and raised serious concerns over animal cruelty and the rule of law.