Daijiworld Media Network - Amaravati
Amaravati, Jan 15: In what may be a record-setting win, a man reportedly pocketed Rs 1.53 crore in a cockfight held during Sankranti in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday. The winner, Rajahmundry resident Ramesh, triumphed in a high-stakes contest against Gudivada’s Prabhakar at Tadepalligudem town, where roosters with blades tied to their legs battled for supremacy.
Ramesh celebrated the massive victory, crediting his specially bred rooster, which he had fed dry fruits for six months to ensure peak fitness. Videos broadcast on local channels captured jubilant scenes of Ramesh and his friends rejoicing over the win.
The event formed part of large-scale cockfights organized across the state for the second consecutive day. Despite court bans and repeated warnings from authorities, these contests continued to draw huge crowds and massive bets, reflecting their deep-rooted association with Sankranti festivities.
Special arenas were set up for the events in East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru, Polavaram, and Krishna districts, attracting politicians, businessmen, celebrities, and spectators from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and neighboring states. The contests, which began with Bhogi on the first day, often ran late into the night under floodlights, with plans to continue through Friday.
Cockfights typically ended with the death of one bird, and gambling played a major role in the proceedings. Authorities have repeatedly warned that such activities violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act. Sections 11(1)(m)(ii) and 11(1)(n) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act criminalize organizing, managing, or even offering space for fights involving animals.
Some organizers defended the events, claiming that no betting was involved and framing cockfighting as a traditional Sankranti practice. They also argued that court restrictions only apply to fights where blades are tied to the roosters’ legs. Despite these claims, animal rights groups have denounced the events as illegal and cruel.