In a brazen defiance of the law and public safety, illegal bullfights have made a troubling comeback in South Goa. The banned events, known locally as 'dhirio', resurfaced at Benaulim beach after a lull of nearly three months, drawing large crowds and immediate police scrutiny.
Viral Videos Trigger Police Investigation
Hundreds of spectators gathered on Sunday to witness the prohibited spectacle, despite repeated warnings from authorities. Videos of the event quickly spread across social media platforms, going viral and prompting the Colva police to launch a fresh investigation. Colva Police Inspector Vikram Naik confirmed that they have taken cognisance of the viral footage and are in the process of identifying the organisers and bull owners involved. He stated that appropriate legal offences would be registered against all those responsible for organising or participating in the banned activity.
A Grim History of Fatalities and Warnings
This resurgence is particularly alarming given the recent tragic history associated with these events. The comeback follows the death of 42-year-old Rajesh Nagush Nistani during a bullfight at Majorda in September 2025. In that case, the Colva police had registered a serious case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, alongside charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, against the organisers and the bull's owners.
In response to that fatality, authorities had intensified their crackdown. Colva police issued at least 41 formal notices to bull owners, explicitly cautioning them against indulging in bullfights. Furthermore, look-out circulars were issued against two residents of Betalbatim, who are alleged bull owners currently residing abroad. Authorities had warned that any violation would lead to prosecution under the stringent Section 41A of the Criminal Procedure Code.
This was not an isolated incident. In January 2024, Jenito Vaz, a resident of Fatrade-Varca, was gored to death by a bull during a similar illegal event at Benaulim, starkly underscoring the lethal dangers inherent in this sport.
Calls for Stronger Enforcement and Future Action
The repeated occurrence of these events, despite fatalities and legal threats, has rekindled serious concerns over public safety and animal welfare. Residents and animal rights activists are increasingly vocal, calling for more robust and consistent enforcement of the ban to prevent further loss of life and cruelty to animals.
Authorities have reiterated their stance, warning that strict action will continue against anyone flouting the law. The police investigation into the latest Benaulim event is ongoing, with the force determined to hold the perpetrators accountable. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of eradicating deep-rooted traditional practices that conflict with modern law and safety standards.
