BARIPADA: In utter disregard for the law, cockfights involving betting and gambling continue to remain a popular pastime in several tribal villages of Mayurbhanj district.
The cruel and illegal sport is organised at many places in villages of Shamakhunta, Kaptipada, Gopabandhunagar, Khunta, Tiring, Bahalda, Sukruli and Chandua blocks amid huge gatherings before Makar Sankranti. The cockfights start from early December and culminate with Makar Sankranti in mid-January.
Sudhir Kumar Mishra, a resident of Baripada, said, “Cockfight has become a customary practice and a form of popular entertainment in rural areas. People here enjoy the sport by placing bets. It has become a favourite pastime.”
Well-trained cocks with small sharp knives attached to their legs fight as spectators cheer. The fight often ends with the death of one of the two birds. The cockfights are also organised during night under floodlights.
Gurva Soren, a researcher on tribal culture, said the fighting ground is encircled with ropes. People place their bets which range from `10 to ` 500. After the fight, the entire amount is distributed among people who placed bets on the winning cock. The owner of the winning rooster also gets benefits and takes home the defeated bird, he informed.
Suklal Murmu, an elderly of Kadalibadi village, said, “We find nothing illegal in the game. Cockfights are being organised in the region since centuries. Due to its popularity, non-tribals are also getting involved in the sport. The practice of placing small bets has made the game more exciting.”
People of all ages and from several areas come to watch the cockfights. The local business also picks up during the days when the games are held, Murmu added.
Retired Professor of Zoology in North Orissa University Susil Kumar Dutta said it is unlawful to engage birds in fights which is against the rules of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. As betting is involved, the game also infringes on the Prevention of Gambling Act, he said.
Animal rights activists alleged that law enforcement agencies have turned a blind eye to the unlawful activity. Vanoo Mitra Acharya, an animal activist, said there should be an immediate ban on cockfighting. Police are aware of the practice and should take steps to stop it, Acharya added.
Terming the game as illegal, Deputy Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve Jagyandutta Pati said the local administration and police will take steps to stop the practice.