Rajahmundry: In blatant violation of the law and SC and HC orders, MPs and MLAs are taking part in the conduct of cockfights in several areas in the state.
Eluru MP Maganti Venkateswara Rao and Eluru MLA Badeti Kota Rama Rao officially launched cockfights in traditional style by holding the cocks in their hands and releasing them in a ring, during the government’s official Sankranti Sambaralu programme held at the Indoor Stadium at Eluru on Wednesday.
Though police and revenue officials were present, they remained silent saying that it was held in traditional style and no knives were tied to the legs of the cocks and no betting was involved.
MP Maganti Rao stated that the government intended to revive traditions and help people celebrate Sankranti in its true spirit.
He said he wanted to organise cockfights, ram fights, bullock cart races and encourage those who take decorated bulls seeking alms in addition to orgainsing games like Kolatam, Kabaddi and Gobbemmala Aata and rangoli competition in West Godavari.
Though the MP claims the cockfight and other fights and races involving animals will be held in traditional style, they are sure to go commercial with betting involving crores.
Animal rights activists found fault with MP Rao for involving animals in fights. They say that except for decorating bulls there is no tradition of subjecting animals to cruelty.
National Board for Wildlife honorary welfare officer P.B.K. Acharyulu said, “Making birds and animals fight or race violates the Performing Animals Rule of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. I wonder why some people feel like having fun subjecting birds and animals to cruelty in the name of tradition.”
West Godavari SP Bhaskar Bhushan said, "We remain firm in our stand not to allow cockfights with betting. People will be allowed to conduct cockfights in a traditional manner and our personnel have already started booking cases against culprits."
Now, enjoy cockfights on phones
Vijayawada: Those unwilling to risk any police action against cockfighting can ‘play’ the blood sport on their smartphones and computers.
Software application developers have made a variety of cockfighting games available on Android, iOS and other platforms.
Cockfighting games are also available for personal computers, which can be played online or offline.
The Fighting Cock, Chicken Fighters and Gamecocks are some of the games available on Android and were developed by Indonesians who also indulge in cockfighting. The application allows users to make ‘their’ cock with another cock.
However, at this point of time, betting is not possible over these smartphone games.
