A traditional Sankranti festival bull-taming event took a dangerous turn in Tirupati district on Friday, leaving several people injured after a bull suddenly ran amok. The incident occurred during an unsanctioned Jallikattu near Kotha Sanambatla village in Chandragiri mandal.
Event Held Without Police Permission
While observing Jallikattu around the Sankranti festival is a customary practice in parts of Chittoor district, obtaining prior police permission is mandatory. In this case, the organisers of the event at Kotha Sanambatla village did not obtain any permission nor did they notify the Chandragiri police about their plans. This lapse in procedure set the stage for the chaotic events that followed.
Chaos Erupts as Bull Breaks Loose
According to local accounts, the situation escalated quickly after the race began. One of the bulls participating in the event suddenly lost control and started charging wildly. Several youngsters who attempted to restrain the rampaging animal sustained injuries in the process. Despite the chaos and the risk, the participants eventually managed to overpower the bull and move it away from the race venue.
Aftermath and Police Action
The injured individuals were promptly provided first aid and then rushed to the SVRR Government General Hospital in Tirupati for further medical treatment. The exact number and condition of the injured were not immediately specified.
Following the incident, the Chandragiri police summoned the event organisers to the police station for detailed questioning. The police have issued a stern warning against organising such events without the necessary permissions in the future, highlighting the serious safety risks involved.
This incident has once again brought the focus on the safety protocols surrounding traditional sporting events like Jallikattu, especially when they are conducted without official oversight.
