Punters gear up for cockfights

Rajamahendravaram: Despite the Supreme Court’s order banning cockfights, the punters in East Godavari are gearing up for the bloody sport.

Ignoring the Supreme Court’s directions on not to use knives and not to take cocks into custody by the police, a largest cockpit is coming up in Muramalla village of I Polavaram mandal where biggest stage similar to mini stadium is getting ready.

Arrangements have been made in 10 acres of land where tents, lighting, chairs and costly sofas have been placed to accommodate visitors. Digital screens have also been set up at the site.
Rings are being readied at places like Kamangaruvu, Godi Lanka, Allavaram Sakhinetipalli Lanka, Gondi and Antarvedi in Konaseema region.

Hotels in Yanam and Amalapuram are full with punters and visitors. Arrangements are in full swing to organise for playing cards and Gundata nearby cockpits. Though the organisers are telling that they will organise cockfights without tying knives to cocks, it seems that their pledge will not last long once cockfights beging.

Auctions are going in large scale to organise Gundata and cards playing tournaments along with cockfights. It is learnt that organisers have got right to conduct Gundata and playing card tournaments from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.

Arrangements are being made to set up 20 large rings and 40 small rings in Konaseema alone.
It is expected that tens of crore of betting is going to be done during pongal. Punters are getting ready for betting in big rings by watching cockfights on televisions set up at rings.

On the other hand people’s representatives and other leaders are making arrangements to conduct cockfights in a smooth manner. Stage is set to organise playing cards invitation tournament during Sankranti and players from other States are also coming to take part in the tourney.