Vijayawada: During Sankranti 2025, several parts of Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to witness the fiercest cockfights for three days from January 13 to January 15, wherein crores of rupees are going to be bet despite efforts of authorities to control them.In a unique “Jodu Pandalu” attempt, organisers intend to release 10 pairs of prized cocks with knives attached to their feet into a single arena, unlike just a pair fighting it, possibly till death, during the previous years. Gamblers are expected to bet nearly Rs 25 lakh on each winning cock, while punters will raise the stakes at least three fold to Rs 75 lakh depending on the trend of the fight. Organisers are making elaborate arrangements for the conduct of cockfights by erecting huge pandals, installing flood lights, arranging chairs and other amenities, mainly in the erstwhile Godavari districts, Krishna, north Andhra and part of Rayalaseema region. Liquor will be on sale to enthuse the crowds into raising stakes. However, police are doing their best in preventing cockfights, which are legally prohibited. They are booking cases, seizing roosters and their special knives, and binding over organisers. They are also using drones to identify areas where arrangements are being made for cockfights, so that they can intervene. Said West Godavari SP Adnan Nayeem Asmi, “We have identified some areas in the district where cockfights are likely to be held during the three days of the Sankranti festival. We are advising people against indulging in illegal activities. They can celebrate the festival by organising traditional games, even cockfights without knives and money, without causing any law and order problems.” However, festival enthusiasts are finding fault with the authorities, as section 144 has been promulgated in various districts to prevent assembly of people in large numbers. Kakinada-based Animal Rescue Agency founder member Gopal R. Surabathula said, “We have been fighting against conduct of cockfights involving knives and money for long. We got a stay order on this from the AP High Court way back in 2017 itself. But many policemen, including officers, will go on leave to celebrate the festival. In some cases, there will be no one even to receive complaints on cockfights and take action.” There are reports that political leaders promise enthusiasts that they will prevail upon the government or officials to allow such fights for Sankranti festival. As a result, the government too goes soft on the matter. The dead roosters after the fights are either taken by their owners for self-consumption or given away to their close friends and kin. The meat of these roosters is expected to be very tasty, as they are fed dry fruits and kept fit and strong, so that they can battle it out. VIP guests, especially from the tinsel world, are not expected to turn up for the fights this season.
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