Police taking steps to curb cockfights: DGP

Vijayawada: Director General of Police N Sambasiva Rao on Saturdaysaid that the state police will prevent cockfights being organised during Sankranti festival as per the existing laws and the directives given by the High Court.

Speaking to media on the annual crime report at the State police head office in Mangalagiri, the DGP said the High Court has given clear directives about the cockfights and the police would follow them in letter and spirit.

When reporters asked about the measures taken by the police to check cockfights and recording dances in West Godavari district, the DGP replied that the police would take all necessary steps to contain cockfights and recording dances.
It may be recalled that preparations were in full swing for conducting cockfights and betting worth thousands of crores of rupees takes place during Sankranti in West Godavari.

The DGP said the police booked 335 cases and arrested 2,270 accused in connection with the smuggling of red sanders. Among the smugglers, 1,038 belongs to Andhra Pradesh and 1,233 belongs to other states, he added.

He said 168.42 metric tons of red sander logs were seized by police and PD Act cases were booked on 26 persons. He praised the efforts of Task Force police in arresting the culprits and preventing the red sanders smuggling. Stating that the AP police are trying to nab the international smugglers, the DGP said the state police are taking the help of other agencies in this regard.