Udupi, Dec 22 (DHNS) : The Animal Welfare Board of India has lodged as many as 21 non-cognisable complaints and an FIR at Karkala Rural police station in connection with the Kambala held at Baradi. A total of 130 pairs of buffaloes took part in the traditional sport held on Saturday.
Additional Superintendent of Police Annamalai told Deccan Herald that the FIR had been lodged against Kambala organisers under IPC Section 289 (negligent conduct with respect to animal) and Section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming cattle etc). He said that the complaints pertain to treatment of the animals which took part in the event.
The Kambala was held in the presence of Tahsildar Raghavendra, ten revenue officials and police personnel. The representatives from Animal Welfare Board of India were also present to keep an eye against any violations of the High Court ruling on Kambala. The traditional sticks to whip the buffaloes were not used at the race.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) director - veterinary affairs, Manilal Valliyate said the most common forms of cruelty were pulling the buffaloes' nose rope, beating them and shouting.
Valliyate said the animals were threatened with sticks and colour cloths and by shouting commands to induce fear in them so as to make them run faster. "Kambala races which force buffaloes to run out of fear and threat have no place in a civilised society and Supreme Court has confirmed that," he said.
Meanwhile, Devara Shesha-Naga Kambala was held on Sunday on the premises of Anantheshwara temple premises at Ballamanja in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.
With PTI Inputs