Udupi: On receipt of reliable information that one Sai from Manchakal was organizing a cockfight at Bellibettu Santurkopla in Mudarangadi, a police team headed by district SP Annamalai himself, raided the spot. ]
Cockfight, once popular in Tulunadu and regarded as part of the tradition, was banned many years ago. The reasons given were that not only it was violence against birds but also undesirable activities like illegal sale of alcohol at the spots were conducted, which often led to law and order issues.
(File pics for illustration purpose only)
As the police, accompanied by district crime investigation bureau’s inspector Jaishankar and Kaup inspector Sunil Naik, swooped on them, those who had gathered ran in different directions.
In all, 37 persons were arrested, about 40 birds and 25 vehicles have been seized in the operation. It is being said that many who were actively involved may have escaped while some innocent persons who had come to watch the fun were arrested for no fault of theirs. The truth may come out after investigations.
There are also reports that often such cockfights are being organized under the guise of village fairs or temple festivals. The SP has warned of stringent action against violators of law.