24-year-old spectator gored to death in Alanganallur Jallikattu

Navamani who was at the venue as an audience, in a freak accident was impaled by the bull, injuring him grievously. He was immediately given first aid at the camp and later shifted to Government Rajaji Hospital where he died today morning.

Madurai:A 24-year-old man died today morning after being gored by a bull on Saturday at the Alanganallur Jallikattu competition.

Navamani who was at the venue as an audience, in a freak accident was impaled by the bull, injuring him grievously.

He was immediately given first aid at the camp and later shifted to Government Rajaji Hospital where he died today morning.

The traditional Jallikattu event was flagged off by Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami and Deputy CM O. Panneerselvam at 8.35 a.m. on January 16.

Jallikattu is an ancient South-Indian sport based on bravery and is organized as part of the four-day Pongal festivities.

The winner of the event is generously showered with prizes such as cars, gold jewelry, and household appliances, etc.

The sport, however, has been marred in controversy over animal cruelty and the treatment of bulls used.

In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned the Jallikattu following which massive protests were staged in Tamil Nadu.

Scores of people thronged Chennai's Marina beach in 2017 prompting the state government to restore it.

Currently, an amendment has been made in the law relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals under which the sport is played.