Traditional Bull-Taming Event in Sivaganga Leaves 116 Injured
At least 116 people suffered injuries during a Manjuvirattu event held on Saturday. The event took place in Siravayal village, located within Sivaganga district. Officials confirmed the incident occurred as part of the Pongal celebrations.
Event Details and Participation
The Manjuvirattu event featured 350 bulls and 150 registered bull tamers. This variant of jallikattu follows traditional practices where tamers attempt to restrain bulls in an open arena. Before the event commenced, bull tamers took a solemn oath. District Collector K Porkodi led the oath-taking ceremony.
Tamers pledged to follow prescribed rules, safety norms, and government guidelines. Minister for Co-operation K R Periyakaruppan distributed prizes to participants after the event.
Injuries and Medical Response
Officials reported that two of the injured individuals required referral to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital. More than five people received admission to the Government Sivaganga Medical College and Hospital. The remaining injured participants received treatment directly at the venue.
Medical staff provided first aid before discharging them. Authorities made extensive medical arrangements for the event. They stationed 80 medical staff members, including doctors and paramedics, at the venue. Ambulances stood ready for emergency transport.
Security Measures and Crowd Control
Heavy security arrangements ensured crowd control and maintained law and order. Police deployed approximately 387 personnel to manage the event. The security presence aimed to prevent any untoward incidents during the traditional celebration.
Despite these precautions, injuries occurred during the bull-taming activities. The event highlights the risks associated with such traditional sports. Organizers emphasized adherence to safety protocols throughout the proceedings.
