Betting touches a new high

Rajamahendravaram: Defying Supreme Court’s orders against cockfights, punters of East Godavari successfully organised betting in large scale in the last three days of Sankranti festival.

It is estimated that Rs 150 crore has changed hands in the last three days. The blood ridden cockfights rings are testimony on how the punters violated apex court’s orders.

Police personnel remained mute spectators and even the Home Minister was unable to halt cockfights in his native district. Interestingly, the police monitored cockfights instead of controlling them.

In fact, cockfights were conducted round-the-clock in Konaseema region and large rings have been set up in places like Muramalla, Godi and Godi Lanka. Cockfight rings in Konaseema resembled cricket stadiums.

It is alleged that police had tacit understanding with organisers and ensured large scale betting, however, a few petty cases on organisers would be booked from Monday to show their presence.

Not only cockfights that enthralled the people of East Godavari districts. Affiliated gambling activities like Gundata and playing cards also drew the attention of the people. People who are not able to take part in cockfights, resorted to Gundata and playing cards nearby cockfight rings.

Most of cockfight rings resembled casinos where arrangements were made for several gambling activities. Bars have been set up at rings and obscene dance programmes were organized in several places to enthrall the audiences.

These affiliated gambling activities like Gundata and playing cards were prevalent in mandals in upland areas like Korukonda, Gokavaram, Gandepalli, Peddapuram and Raja Nagaram mandals.

Small and marginal farmers as well as youth participated in big numbers. People from agency mandals like Devipatnam and merged mandals have participated in Gundata and other gambling activities.