Cockfight arenas mushroom on Vijayawada outskirts, police act tough

Vijayawada: As Sankranti approaches, preparations for cockfighting—traditionally confined to rural pockets—are rapidly spreading to the outskirts of Vijayawada and other urban areas across Andhra Pradesh. Under the guise of "traditional Sankranti celebrations", makeshift cockfight arenas are reportedly being set up in open fields on the city's fringes. Reliable sources allege that several influential politicians are backing and facilitating these arenas, providing covert support while projecting the events as part of cultural festivities. Despite the growing scale of preparations, the police adopted a firm stance, warning that no leniency will be shown to those organising gambling and cockfighting in the name of tradition. Law enforcement agencies intensified surveillance and launched pre-emptive strikes to curb the illegal activity. In a strong crackdown, Eluru district police led operations to dismantle cockfighting arrangements in Krishna Rao Palem village of Chatrai mandal. Police teams led by Nuziveedu rural inspector K Rama Krishna and Chatrai sub-inspector D Rama Krishna, destroyed structures erected for organising cockfights, using a tractor with the support of revenue and panchayat personnel.Addressing the public, Eluru district superintendent of police K Pratap Shiva Kishore made it clear that organising cockfighting and gambling during festivals is a punishable offence. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against organisers, financiers, and participants, regardless of their influence. He also urged residents to celebrate Sankranti peacefully and in accordance with lawful traditions. Meanwhile, in Nuziveedu town, police raided a factory manufacturing knives used specifically for cockfighting, following credible intelligence. The raid, led by Town Inspector Satya Srinivas, resulted in the arrest of 1 person and the seizure of 131 cockfighting knives, a motor, and other equipment. A case was registered, and legal proceedings are underway.