SALEM, TIRUCHY: Tragedy struck a jallikattu event organised at Goodamalai in Gengavalli taluk here on Sunday, when a youth died while trying to tame a bull. Seven of the 10 people, who suffered injuries, were hospitalised after the event.
A Plus Two student from Kandasamyputhur, Vimal alias Manikandan (17) died after receiving a chest injury. About 200 bulls from Tiruchy, Thuraiyur, Kadambur, Thammampatti and Attur took part.
Soon after the event, officials stopped the jallikattu.
Though Goodamalai is one of the many villages where jallikattu has traditionally been held, Sunday’s event had no permission from the district administration.
The officials have initiated a probe in connection with the youth’s death.
In a separate incident at L Abisekapuram at Lalgudi in Tiruchy, 12 bull tamers and 15 spectators were injured in a jallikattu on Sunday
According to Animal Husbandry Department, as many as 356 jallikattu bulls from Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Dindigul, Theni and Salem districts were brought in to participate in the traditional sport.
Of them, six were barred citing health reasons. Similarly, 580 tamers, after clearing the required medical test, were given jerseys. Seven of the tamers were disqualified for violating rules.
Revenue officer and officials from the Departments of Animal Husbandry, Medical and Public Welfare were at the village for inspecting the arrangements made.
Most of the bull tamers won bicycles and the best bull and its owner won a Bajaj motorcycle.