Cockfights spreading to Rayalaseema too

Kurnool: Lovers of the cockfight, a special attraction around the time of Sankranti, are toying with the idea of conducting the event in Rayalaseema region instead of taking pains to go all the way to East and West Godavari districts in the coastal Andhra.

However, District Superintendent of Police (SP) AKe Ravi Krishna and Deputy SP Harinatha Reddy have been warning of serious repercussions in the region, which is known for factionism if anyone is found indulging in the sport.

It may be recalled that crores of rupees change hands during the cockfights because of betting though the State government and voluntary organisations leave no stone unturned to discourage cockfights.

The popular event draws people, including the participants, from as far as Rayalaseema and Telangana regions.

Lovers of the cockfight are rearing cocks especially for the event planned in the region. The cocks are being procured from coastal region and Pebberu in Telangana spending thousands of rupees and being trained in fighting.

In the name of tradition, cockfights became popular sport around the time of Sankranti. What is at stake is crores of rupees. Also, lives of ordinary people are being ruined because of the sport. The police are taking a serious view of the sport as it might lead to increasing the crime rate.