Vigilance by Authorities
“We are keeping a close watch on rooster fights in some areas. People can bring such issues to the attention of the department,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police Annepu Narasimha Murthy. Raids have been conducted in several regions, with arrests made and roosters seized.

Locations Under Scrutiny
In Visakhapatnam district, rooster fights are reportedly being planned in areas like Anandapuram, Bheemili, and Padmanabham mandals, while locations such as Kasimkota, Payakaraopeta, Anakapalli, and Madugula mandals in Anakapalli district are also hotspots. Within Visakhapatnam city, Arilova and Adivivaram are known for hosting these events during the festive season.

Betting and Rooster Training
The stakes in these fights are high, with bets ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh in the Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. Punters have been busy training their roosters with special food and care to prepare them for the fights. Depending on their strength and breed, these roosters are sold for prices between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000.

Attracting NRIs and Youth
This year, the allure of rooster fights is drawing NRIs and urban youth from cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, who are forming groups to place bets during Sankranthi.

High Stakes in Neighboring Regions
While bets in the Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts are significant, they are dwarfed by the crores of rupees wagered in the Godavari and Krishna regions, where rooster fights are more widespread.

Police Crackdown
Authorities have intensified their efforts to curb this banned activity. Kasimkota Circle Inspector A. Swaminaidu reported conducting raids during a local deity festival, resulting in the arrest of several organisers and the seizure of roosters used in the fights. The police are determined to take strict action to prevent these illegal activities during the festive season.

Conclusion
Rooster fights remain a controversial tradition that persists despite legal prohibitions and police efforts. As Sankranthi draws closer, the spotlight is on the authorities’ ability to enforce the ban and the public’s role in discouraging this activity.

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