Sankranti festivities turned tragic in Andhra Pradesh as two individuals have been killed after they have been attacked by roosters with knives tied to them throughout a cockfight.

The incidents occurred in Eluru and Kakinada districts within the Godavari area on Sunday.

Padma Raju (20) sustained grievous accidents after a rooster with a knife hooked up to its leg attacked him close to a cockfight camp in Anantapalli village in Nallajerla mandal. Raju had gone to observe the cockfight when one of many roosters pounced on him and the knife hooked up to its leg left deep cuts on his physique. He succumbed whereas being shifted to the hospital at Nallajerla.

Within the second incident that occurred at Velanka in Kirlampudi mandal in Kakinada district, Gande Suresh (43) sustained accidents on his wrist whereas making an attempt to tie a knife to a rooster. He began profusely bleeding and succumbed earlier than he was rushed to hospital.

The incidents plunged the 2 households into gloom on a pageant day. Regardless of a ban imposed by the Supreme Court docket and a few measures taken by the police, cockfight competitions have been organised in a number of elements of Andhra Pradesh, particularly coastal area throughout Sankranti.

Crores of rupees modified arms on the competitions organised with the patronage of native politicians.

Wads of foreign money notes could possibly be seen among the many arms of organisers as well-trained cocks with small knives hooked up to their legs fought amid cheers by the spectators. The struggle typically ends with the loss of life of one of many two roosters and in some instances each the birds.

Sunday’s incidents highlighted how deadly the cockfights are. Animal lovers have been demanding the authorities to strictly implement the orders of the Supreme Court docket, which banned cockfighting in 2018.