City outskirts become safe haven for banned cockfights

Despite High Court ban, cockfights have been continuing unabated in the district. 
Cockfights go on at Mudasarilova in Visakhapatnam on Friday | Express
Cockfights go on at Mudasarilova in Visakhapatnam on Friday | Express

VISAKHAPATNAM: Despite High Court ban, cockfights have been continuing unabated in the district. The traditional sports are being organised on the city outskirts as police turn a blind eye.

Padmanabham, Bheemili, other areas on the outskirts and Arilova have became a hub for cockfights. Several politicians reportedly helped organise the cockfights in Vizag and lakhs of rupees are changing hands.

According to sources, gamblers, not only from Vizag but from various regions including Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, have taken part in cockfights organised in the Arilova region.

Though the vigilance was tight, police had to let it pass for political interference. A TDP senior leader and another from BJP reportedly helped in organising the event at Arilova, sources added. Fighting roosters were brought from Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and interior areas of Visakhapatnam district. The cockfights were held in two categories - fight with and without knife. Notes in `2,000s, `500s and `100 denominations are changing hands.

On Friday too, bettings were organised in a grand manner with the organisers preparing battle grounds with huge pandals well in advance. A valla was made at the centre. A gallery was also erected from where people watched the game and indulged in betting.

A senior police officer on condition of anonymity said if the trend continues, then Visakhapatnam will not be far behind Godavari districts where stakes are in crores.

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