Police plunges into action to stop cockfights in AP amid Sankranti, sets up joint action teams

The Andhra Pradesh police have plunged into action to stop the cockfights, which will be held on the occasion of Sankranthi. For the last two days, strict measures are being taken mainly in twin Godavari districts, Krishna and Guntur districts. Police are working hard to curb cockfights as well as bettings and joint action teams have been set up in each Mandal. Along with the police, the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) also entered the field. Surveillance on online gaming, betting, gutka, Matka, cockfights intensified.

In the early stages, bindover cases were registered in several villages, arresting cowherd operators, swordsmen, and poultry farmers. 4,395 bindover cases were registered in Eluru Range alone (Krishna, West Godavari and East Godavari districts). Chicken knife makers seized 5,243 knives from chicken knife makers. A total of 848 cases have been registered against those involved in chicken racing and poker.

Police have warned that legal action will be taken against betting and betting operators and conducting inspections that has anyone already come from other places to Godavari districts. Police warned that those staying at the lodge will be seized if they have too much cash and will face criminal charges. The Police further said that it is okay to visit places for the Sankranthi festivities, and opined that arrests are inevitable if they resort to antisocial behaviour. Section 144 of the IPC and Police Act 30 are being enforced to curb cockfights across the state.