Protest seeking relief for deceased bull tamer’s kin

Madurai: Members of the Tamil Nadu jallikattu welfare association held a protest at the Madurai district collectorate on Monday to demand compensation for a bull tamer who died at a jallikattu event.Balaguru, 24, from Alanganallur was fatally injured when he was gored in the neck by a bull during a jallikattu event at Pugaiyilaipatti in Dindigul on Feb 11. A protest was held at the collectorate seeking a solatium of 10 lakh, as well as a govt job for his widow, who is six months pregnant.Mudakathan Mani, president of the Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Training Centre, said that they submitted a petition to the revenue divisional officer (RDO) in this regard. "Balaguru was only married for one year, and his wife is six months pregnant," he said, adding that they will continue protesting until the demands of the association are met.Further, Mani said that the fatality could have been completely avoided if better medical facilities were available on site. "Balaguru was rushed to Dindigul govt hospital, but was pronounced dead there. The lack of adequate medical facilities and emergency care at the event directly contributed to the tragedy," he said.