Madurai (Tamil Nadu): In a major breach of lockdown norms, more than 2,000 people from Muduvarapati village in Madurai participated in the funeral of a Jallikattu bull, which died earlier this week in the outskirts near here.
The villagers and temple authorities decorated the deceased bull and paid the last rites, violating the COVID-19 lockdown guidelines.
Subsequently, a funeral procession with pomp-and-gait with fireworks was carried out before the dead animal was laid to rest.
The incident came to light after the video of the funeral began doing rounds in video sharing platforms.
Taking cognizance of the matter, Madurai police have booked seven persons including village elders for conducting the funeral.
Also, two policemen- a sub-Inspector and a head-constable have been appointed to conduct an inquiry.
Sources said that it was the duty of the special branch personnel to gather the intelligence related to such things and appraise the top brass of the same.
"It appears that there was a tacit understanding between the cops and the villagers when the incident took place", the source added.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Madurai Superintendent of Police Manivannan said that the incident came to light on Thursday following which action has been initiated.
"We have shunted out the policemen who could have prevented the entire episode with their intervention", he said.
Asked whether the entire village will be isolated for this violation, the district police top brass observed that it was not done as there was no infection of COVID-19 in that locality. "We will keep a close watch", he added.
