Rajahmundry: As part of efforts to impose curbs on conduct of cock-fights, the police have taken up a publicity drive by releasing hand-bills and pasting posters in public places in villages asking the people not to organise such fights and also others not to take part in them.
The police even cautioned the youngsters not to indulge in such fights as they would be booked under criminal cases and such cases would affect their job prospects especially in government sector in the long run.
Meanwhile, police booked several cases and arrested hundreds of men and seized cash worth lakhs and cocks and knives during December and January in both the Godavari districts.
Accordingly, in West Godavari, from December 1, 2013 to January 10, 2014, police booked several cases under AP Gaming Act section 92 and arrested 693 persons involved in either organising or taking part in the cock-fights and seized for Rs 3.49 lakhs. About 35 bikes, 77 cocks, 26 knives, 32 mobile phones and an auto rickshaw were seized.
Under APG section 91 dealing with playing cards outdoor, police arrested 1,920 persons and seized Rs 17.06 lakhs from them. Under IPC section 304 dealing with playing cards at houses, police arrested 19 persons and seized Rs 1.75 lakhs from the gamblers.
In East Godavari, from January 1 to December 31, 2013, police booked 120 cases under APG Act section 92 and arrested 169 persons and seized Rs 5.07 lakhs and 64 cocks from them. With regard to APG section 91, police booked 294 cases and arrested 457 persons and seized Rs 3.77 lakhs.
Under CrPC section 110, police booked 79 cases against those involved in organising cockfights, tying the knives to the cocks and lending the fields to organise such fights and took as many as 180 persons into preventive custody.
