BENGALURU: Despite a ban endorsed by the Supreme Court, cock-fighting still thrives in several regions.
The Mangaluru-Udupi region in Karnataka, the Godavari belt in Andhra Pradesh, Karur and Dharmapuri districts in Tamil Nadu and Kasargod district in Kerala still follow a tradition that is cruel, sadistic and gory. Roosters die gruesome deaths to thrill gamblers.
The stakes range between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, and fights are held mostly during the harvesting season on weekends.
“The hosts sharpen the claws of the birds to such an extent that they rip open the flesh of the opponent. Earlier, they would tie knives to the roosters’ legs. The fights are conducted secretively and entry is restricted,” an eyewitness said.
Politicians and police patronise the fights and the stakes can go as high as Rs 40-50 crore for a bout.