Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Dec 21: In a renewed crackdown on illegal cockfighting, Vittal police on Sunday booked 27 persons, including a former MLA and the BJP district president, after raiding an illegal cockfighting event at Kepu village in Bantwal taluk. The incident marks yet another case of unlawful cockfighting being reported from the same location within two days.
Acting on credible information that an illegal cockfight was being conducted at the Babthu field owned by Muralidhara Rai in Kepu village, a police team led by the station inspector, along with officers and staff, conducted a raid on Sunday morning. On reaching the spot, police found a large gathering of people engaged in violent cockfighting.
Police said that despite informing those present about the legal ban on cockfighting and warning them of the consequences, the crowd refused to disperse.
According to investigators, former MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor, BJP district president Sathish Kumpala, Muralidhara Rai, Dayanand Ujiremara, Hariprasad Yadav, Ashok Shetty of Vitla, and Rajesh Balekallu were present at the venue and allegedly instigated and provoked the gathered crowd to continue the illegal activity.
With adequate police security arranged, Vittal police took 20 persons directly involved in the cockfighting into custody. During the raid, police seized 20 roosters and knives (blades) used for cockfighting. The seized birds and implements were taken into possession as evidence.
A case has been registered at Vittal Police Station against a total of 27 accused under Crime No. 191/2025. The accused have been booked for offences punishable under Sections 189(2), 49, 221, 223 and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 3 and 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Police officials said further investigation into the case is under way and that more details are being verified, including the role of each accused. Sources said that the repeated incidents of illegal cockfighting in Kepu have raised concerns among authorities, prompting closer surveillance in the area.
Notably, on the previous day, Puttur MLA and 16 others were also booked in connection with an illegal cockfighting event held at the same location, indicating that the practice continues despite repeated police action and legal warnings.
Police reiterated that cockfighting is a punishable offence and warned that strict action will be taken against those found organising, participating in or encouraging such illegal activities in future.