Participants trying to tame a bull during Jallikattu festival
A 55-year-old man was gored to death outside the venue of the bull taming event in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Around thirty others were injured in the event as well.
Superintendent of Police, Ashwin Kotnis, told NDTV, "The tragedy happened outside the authorised arena. We are investigating".
This is the first casualty at such events being held across Tamil Nadu this year. Around 300 people have suffered injuries in these events over the last one week.
A similar sport called Manjuvirattu was being hosted by the Kandhipati village during the past several years. This time, the organizers had obtained orders from court to host Jallikattu.
Several hundred people, mostly spectators have been Killed or maimed in Jallikattu events over the last several decades.
The bulls too were beaten, intoxicated, and in some cases lemon juice was squirted into their eyes. Following a long legal battle by animal rights activists and the Animal Rights Board of India who sought a ban, the Supreme Court put in place stringent guidelines to check cruelty to bulls and ensure safety for people and animals.
However activists say the cruelty still continues in many forms and they are pushing for a total ban. However, villagers say these events are part of Pongal, the harvest festival and they would be the target of God's wrath if it is stopped.