Cops crackdown, but cockfights & gambling activities continue

Vijayawada: Notwithstanding repeated crackdowns by the police and warnings from authorities, cockfights and gambling-related activities took place across the state this Sankranti.

Sources said this year cockfighting arenas and gambling dens were organised with remarkable precision and scale.

Punters told TOI that there was no entry fee to watch cockfights, but gamblers indulging in card games had to shell out a steep entry fee of 10,000. The entry fee provided gamblers access to fully equipped venues with luxurious amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, alcohol, food, and round-the-clock water supply.

Organisers of these gambling setups are said to have made high profits. For instance, in six-player gambling tables, a portion of one player's stake was directly pocketed by the organisers. The stakes at these tables varied, with some reaching as high as 1 lakh per game. Organisers also gifted bikes and cars to winners in cockfights in some parts.

A punter from Eluru district, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "This year, the scale was bigger than ever. Some arenas hosted over 5,000 people, and gambling tables were packed. The entry fee was steep, but it was worth it because they provided air-conditioned rooms, premium alcohol, and food."

"Organisers take land on lease by paying lakhs to landowners and erect tents, lay fencings, arrange coolers and air conditioners for the participants and audience. Cockfights are not just about gambling; they are a part of our tradition and celebration," said a regular punter from NTR district. "The influence of local leaders often hampers police efforts in cracking down on such activities."

A punter playing cards at an arena on the outskirts of Vijayawada said, "I have been attending these events since I was a teenager. Yes, there's money involved, but it's more about thrill and pride of seeing your rooster win. Police raids made things difficult, people always find ways to organise. For us, Sankranti without these activities feels incomplete."

He said crores of rupees change hands during the course of the three-day festival: Bhogi, Sankranti, and Kanuma. "Organisers use secluded locations, deploy people to lookout for police or govt. officials. They even leverag social media platforms to coordinate these events secretly. Roosters are trained for more than a month and fed to compete, aiming to impress betting enthusiasts," the punter said.

Police issued stern warnings in the run-up to Sankranti, deploying drones and special teams to enforce ban on cockfights and associated gambling activities. An official from the police department, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "We conducted raids and arrested several individuals, but the scale of these activities and their organised nature make it difficult to completely eradicate them. Many events are conducted secretly with strong local support."

Activists have raised concerns about the growing scale of illegal activities during festive seasons. "Such events promote violence, exploitation, and social vices, tarnishing the cultural significance of Sankranti. Strict enforcement and public awareness are crucial to curbing these issues," said Saloni Sakaria, cruelty response coordinator, PETA India. She said roosters used in cockfights suffer punctured lungs, broken bones, and pierced eyes. Their legs are often fitted with sharp steel blades to injure their opponent, she said.

GFX:

Action taken so far

Eluru police arrested a 27-year-old man from Ganapavaram mandal for manufacturing cockfight knives. Seized 1,300 knives from him

As part of preventive measures, 320 individuals including 110 from Ganapavaram, 101from Nidamarru and 109 from Chebrolu bound over to prevent involvement in unlawful activities

Eleven illegal cockfight arenas identified & destroyed in Eluru

In NTR district, cockfighting arenas were destroyed in Penuganchiprolu and Jaggayyapeta. Drones deployed