Notwithstanding the court directions and big announcements by the police that they would take penal action for violating the court orders, political leaders, cutting across their political affiliations, took part in cockfights across coastal Andhra Pradesh during the three-day Sankranti festivities.
Violent cockfights with blades and knives fitted to the roosters and large scale betting went on unabatedly this year.
East and West Godavari districts, particularly, witnessed unprecedented enthusiasm from the people, including women, who participating in betting and witnessing the cockfight betting arenas in large number.
More than 100 arenas have been set up in West Godavari alone and another 60-70 in East Godavari district, Separate arenas ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 5 lakh were set up basing on the betting amount.
While initial rounds were organized without tying the blades to the legs of the roosters, slowly they turned bloody as cocks fought to death while the crowds feasted on alcohol and their choicest foods made available at the arenas.
Such was the brazen conduct of the cockfights that the organisers in several areas of East and West Godavari districts even arranged live telecast of the blood sport using drone cameras.
Large screens were erected outside the arenas for those who could not partake in the betting process.
In many places organizers have introduced token system to do away with cash. The tokens could be exchanged with cash after the betting. In West Godavari district alone betting worth Rs 50 cr has taken place during past 48 hours.
The police who were supposed to ensure that no betting takes place were nowhere to be seen.
