Police in Burhanpur district have taken strict action against the organizers of an illegal buffalo fight event that took place on Wednesday, registering a case against fifteen identified individuals and several unknown participants.
Chaotic Scenes at Riverbank Event
The Shikarpura police station intervened to stop an unauthorized 'Hela Takkar' - a traditional buffalo fight competition - that was being conducted along the banks of the Utawali River in Mahalghurada village. Despite explicit warnings issued just one day prior, the event proceeded as planned, attracting massive crowds that led to chaotic, stampede-like conditions.
According to police reports, the situation turned violent when organizers allegedly used sticks and batons during scuffles that broke out in the disorder. Two to three people sustained minor injuries in the melee that followed the unauthorized animal fights.
Legal Action Under Multiple Laws
Vikram Chouhan, the police station in-charge, confirmed that a case has been registered under sections 125, 223(A), and 3(5) of the BNS 2023 along with section 11(1)(d) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The organized body behind the event, identified as the Hindu-Muslim Unity Committee, had only obtained permission for a general fair (mela) scheduled for November 26 from the Nepanagar sub-divisional magistrate.
"The committee deliberately organized the violent buffalo fight competition without proper authorization," stated Chouhan, emphasizing that police are currently examining video evidence from the site to identify additional participants who might be included in the ongoing investigation.
Recurring Problem in Burhanpur
This incident marks yet another chapter in the ongoing struggle against illegal animal fights in the region. Over the past few months, more than ten similar events have been organized in Burhanpur despite existing bans. While police have consistently filed First Information Reports in each case, effective measures to completely eliminate these events from the district remain elusive.
The persistence of such events highlights the challenges authorities face in balancing traditional practices with animal welfare laws and public safety concerns. Local communities continue to organize these fights despite legal consequences, indicating the deep-rooted nature of these traditions in the region.
