20 arrested for gambling over cockfight; roosters, cash seized

At least 20 people were arrested after police busted a cockfighting and betting operation in Vishakhapatnam and nine roosters were recovered from them.

Acting on a tip off, city Task Force Police Inspector GV Ramana raided a place in Kodipandala Dibba near King George Hospital here last evening and caught the accused placing bets on the roosters. They were arrested for cruelty on animals and were charged under AP Gaming Act of 1974, he said. Also, nine roosters as well as Rs 60,520 in cash was seized from them.

The arrested accused who used to hold such bloody fights and gamble over the winning cock, will be produced before court later in the day. Cockfighting is a illegal blood sport wherein bets are placed on two roosters, which fight each other to death in a ring much to the amusement of the onlookers.

This barbaric practise, where the gamecocks suffer severe injuries is still prevalent in some parts of the country especially Tamil Nadu. It is banned in Andhra Pradesh.