Cops to act tough on cockfight organisers

 Kakinada: East Godavari SP Vishal Gunni said stringent action would be taken against those who indulge in cockfights, gambling, obscene dances and allied unlawful activities during Sankranti festival.

The SP made it clear that there will not be any exemption for people’s representatives in this aspect.

Addressing media persons on Tuesday at district police office, Vishal Guuni said that indulging in cockfights is an offence under cruelty to animals act of 1960 and gambling act of 1974.  Besides these, district Collector imposed Section 144 which will be in force till January 24 as per the directive of High Court, SP said.

Under this section, more than four people should not assemble at one place. The SP revealed that the police identified the areas where the cockfights are likely to be conducted. In addition to this, those having record of indulging in cockfights were already booked under bind over cases, SP disclosed.

In this connection, the SP said that the police would book cases on owners of particular places where cockfights and other gambling acts take place. To curb this unlawful activity, the police formed special teams, the SP said.

 The SP also sought people’s cooperation in the form of information to police on this unlawful activity through Whats App number 9494933233 or police control room number 100.