Despite the Supreme Court upholding a ban on cockfighting, people in coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh organised this bloodsport on large scale during the three-day Sankranti festivities that concluded Tuesday. During the festivities there was also a spike in betting and gambling which are illegal in Andhra Pradesh. Knives and blades were sold openly and organisers were found tying sharp knives to roosters’ legs before the fight – all in front of the media. Police also seized a large number of knives and Rs 2.82 lakh in cash. “Those arrested pay this nominal penalty and come out on bails, as it is a non-cognizable offence.

Source: Hindustan Times January 17, 2018 09:11 UTC