Godavari districts gear up for rooster fights despite enhanced surveillance

PREPARATIONS have been made across the Godavari districts to organise rooster fights during the three-day Sankranti festivities from January 13 to 15, despite repeated court directives and warnings from the police against the blood sport.

- KV SAILENDRA/S TRIMURTHULU @Rajamahendravaram/Kakinada

Police in these districts have intensified surveillance as punters prepare for the banned rooster fights, a practice that continues unabated despite legal prohibitions. Major hubs for these events include Bhimavaram, Narasapuram, Palakollu, Tadepalligudem, and Undi in West Godavari; Eluru, Polavaram, Buttayagudem, and Dwaraka Tirumala in Eluru district; and Gokavaram, Kovvur, Korukonda, and Kakinada in erstwhile East Godavari.

Youth and gamblers are seen scouting the best spots for fights, and planning to spend the festival days betting, consuming liquor, and indulging in non-vegetarian feasts. Thousands, including wealthy businessmen, politicians, and NRIs, are expected to participate, with betting amounts reaching crores of rupees.