For the first time in the city police history, a special team of Banjara Police raided a den at Kamalapuri Colony in city on Sunday and busted cockfights.
They arrested 19 persons who were participating in the illegal game and betting. Most of them are businessmen and professionals.
Police rescued 20 gamecocks, and seized 120 knives used as gaffs, Rs 25,000 in cash and three mobile phones.
Police were surprised that such a betting game, common in rural areas, was organised in the posh locality of the city. Though they had been tipped off about the game, police did not believe that such a thing was taking place but to confirm their information, a few cops in plain clothes visited the spot and found gang members organising cockfights while accepting betting from punters. Minutes after the team sent information, a special team swung into action and raided the place.
“Some persons brought some aggressive birds from other parts of the state,’’ said ACP E Shanker Reddy.
Venkat, the main organiser, managed to flee.