In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, Karnataka police have registered a case against 27 individuals, including a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, for their alleged involvement in an unlawful cockfight.
Raid Conducted at Agricultural Field
According to police officials, the raid was executed on an agricultural field owned by a man identified as Muralidhara Rai. The location had become a gathering point where a large number of people had assembled, actively participating in what authorities describe as a violent and illegal cockfighting event.
High-Profile Names Among the Accused
The case has drawn considerable attention due to the prominent figures named in the First Information Report (FIR). While the identities of all 27 accused have not been fully disclosed, police have confirmed that the list includes a former MLA and a local BJP leader. Their involvement has added a political dimension to the case, which is primarily being treated as a violation of laws prohibiting animal cruelty and unlawful assemblies.
The police action underscores a strict stance against such traditional but banned practices. Cockfighting, often associated with betting and violence, is illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Investigation
The incident, which came to light on 21 December 2025, is now under detailed investigation. Authorities have booked the accused under applicable legal sections. The charges likely relate to:
- Organizing and participating in an illegal animal fight.
- Involvement in betting and gambling activities.
- Causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
- Violating norms related to unlawful assembly.
This raid is part of broader efforts by law enforcement to curb activities that exploit animals for entertainment and gambling. The police have emphasized that no one, regardless of their social or political standing, is above the law.
The case remains active as investigators gather further evidence and statements. The inclusion of influential personalities is expected to keep this incident in the public eye, highlighting the ongoing challenge of enforcing bans on deep-rooted cultural practices that contravene modern law.
