Tamil Nadu   

Palamedu `jallikattu' leaves 50 injured

S. Vijay Kumar

Unlike in the previous years, spectators were not allowed to mingle with contestants

MADURAI : Thousands of excited spectators witnessed `jallikattu,' the traditional adventurous sport of taming the bull organised at Palamedu near here on Tuesday.

Unmindful of the scorching sun, the visitors witnessed the six-hour show that left at least 50 persons injured. Since two persons died and more than 450 were injured in the `jallikattu' last year, many precautionary measures were taken to minimise casualties.

Even as the event was scheduled to commence at 11 a.m., a large number of tourists, including foreigners, thronged the venue early. Unlike in the previous years, spectators were not allowed to mingle with contestants. The police erected barricades and left the arena open only to the bulls and those who braved to challenge them.

Decorated bulls with sharp horns were let through a narrow passage one after the other as the waiting youths displayed their valour in an attempt to tame them. Those who managed to cling on to the hump to some distance were declared winners. A wide range of prizes such as gold coins, cash, wristwatches, dress materials, goats and hens were given on the spot.

Several medical teams with life-saving drugs and ambulances were stationed at the venue to attend to the injured. Contestant had to undergo a breathalyser test and those found to have consumed alcohol were not allowed to participate.

Amidst complaints of cruelty to animals, Madurai Collector T. Udhayachandran directed veterinary doctors to examine the bulls at least three hours ahead of the event. "Two contestants who were in an inebriated condition were turned away. The entry of 15 bulls was also rejected as it was found that they were forced to consume tobacco and camphor in an attempt to make them more ferocious," Mr. Udhayachandran said.

Inspector-General of Police (South Zone) Sanjeev Kumar; Commissioner of Police M. Chidambarasamy and Madurai Superintendent of Police T.S. Anbu were present.

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