Hyderabad: Amid Sankranti festivities, preparations for illegal cockfights, known as Pandem Rayulla Guri in local parlance, are in full swing in several parts of Andhra Pradesh.
The southern state is set to witness fierce cockfights from January 13 to 15, with sources saying that as much as Rs 700 crore is likely to be wagered in these events, highlighting the scale of this bloodsport that has been banned by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh in 2016.
Cockfighting receives huge backing in the rural areas of Andhra Pradesh even as police have been trying to enforce the ban on it citing cruelty to animals.
What began as a traditional practice has evolved into a major betting activity. Originally, two roosters would engage in a natural fight. However, now sharp knives are strapped to the roosters' legs who continue to fight until one of the animals succumbs to its injuries, suffering severe trauma and blood loss.
Venues for cockfights
Sources said in the Pedamiram area of Kalla mandal in West Godavari district, grounds have been prepared for cockfighting where incredible sums are being exchanged.
One such auction resulted in a ground being sold for Rs 1.5 crore, with participants vying for the highest bid. Similarly, in the Bhimavaram area, another ground fetched Rs 80 lakh. The competition has intensified further with deals worth up to Rs 1.4 crores being finalised between influential individuals and organisers.
When ETV Bharat reached out to those involved for more details, they refused to comment, citing the illegality of cockfighting as the reason for their silence.
Bloodsport not restricted to rural areas only
Sources said cockfighting events are not restricted to rural areas as regions like Bhimavaram, Undi, Kalla, Akiveedu, Veeravasaram, Narasapuram, Mogalthur, Palakollu, Dendulur, Pedavegi, Jangareddygudem, Eluru Rural, Kalidindi, Koyyalagudem, and Penumantra mandals host it on a massive scale.
Similarly, in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, preparations are afoot for cockfighting events which have traditionally been held in floodlights. This year, the scale is expected to be on par with previous years as spacious grounds have been allocated for competitions.
Muramalla in I. Polavaram mandal, one of the 22 mandals in the Konaseema district, has been chosen for a grand event with preparations also underway in Mummidivaram, Katrenikona, Allavaram, Uppalaguptam, Rajolu, Malikipuram, Ainavilli, P.Gannavaram, Kothapeta, Ravulapalem, Alamuru, Mandapeta, and Ramachandrapuram mandals.
Among the various types of chicken bred for fighting, breeds like Peacock, Abras, Red Eagle, and Kakkera are in high demand. Depending on the size, colour, and breed, chickens can fetch anywhere from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh, with top-tier birds potentially earning up to Rs 3 lakh in fights.
Police to use advanced tech to stop rooster fights
Andhra Pradesh police is set to use advanced technology including drones and artificial intelligence to stop the organisers from conducting cockfights.
DGP Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, according to a report, recently held a video conference meeting with all the district SPs and IGP rank officers and instructed them to intensify the vigil. Police are set to use over 100 drones to keep an eye on the areas where the banned bloodsport is likely to be carried out.
In Eluru district, Nuzvid Sub-Collector B Smaranraj has ordered strict action against organizers of cockfights and associated gambling activities. On Friday (Jan 10), police teams, supervised by Sub-Inspectors and Tahsildars, dismantled illegal setups in several areas.
Speaking on the crackdown, DSP KVVNV Prasad said, “We have already taken action to prevent cockfighting and gambling in the Nuzvidu subdivision. Bars are being destroyed, and bind-over cases have been registered. Strict action will be taken against anyone engaging in illegal activities.”
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