VIJAYAWADA: An estimated Rs 1,200 crore changed hands in cockfights and betting this Sankranthi in coastal Andhra districts as thousands of people participated in the illegal sport. The police patrolled villages in East and West Godavari and Krishna districts , but punters continued with the banned sport that resulted in death or maiming of thousands of birds, particularly magnificent Aseel breed.Besides cockfights, gambling activity, including ‘numbers and dice games’, were conducted at cockfight hotspots in the outskirts of Bhimavaram , Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Vijayawada . Shamianas were erected and entry into cockfight arenas was restricted by organisers through special passes. At other places, entry tickets were being sold and liquor and biryani outlets sprang up near cockfight arenas.Senior political leaders preferred to stay away from cockfight venues fearing legal trouble, but local leaders participated in the sport. People from Telangana, Odisha and Tamil Nadu too participated in large numbers. Cockfights, which began at 7am on Sankranthi day, continued till late in the night under flashlights in Krishna and West Godavari districts.For the first time, birds from Thailand and Australia were made part of cockfights in Kakinada. According to sources, the betting amount started from Rs 100 and went on to Rs 5 lakh. ‘Gambling tables’ were auctioned by local leaders for as high as Rs 1 crore in East Godavari, sources said.Vijayawada police seized 225 roosters and 300 knives during raids on Tuesday and Wednesday. The police picked up 390 people with history of gambling and cockfights. As many as 115 people were taken into custody for gambling in 10 different cases. The arrests were, however, a tip of the iceberg as unchecked betting and cockfights took place within and outside the city police limits. Liquor was easily available and the organisers openly collected money for gambling. Punters came in cars, buses and twowheelers and about 30,000 ‘guests’ witnessed cockfights at Bollapadu village near Vijayawada on Tuesday.

Stay updated with all the Latest Vijayawada headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.