In a significant enforcement action, the Vittal police in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district have registered a formal case against Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai and sixteen other individuals for their alleged involvement in organizing and participating in illegal cockfighting.
Police Raid Uncovers Illegal Activity in Paddy Field
The incident unfolded in Kepu village, located within the Bantwal taluk. According to official police reports, on December 20, the Vittal police station received credible intelligence about preparations for an illegal cockfight. Acting swiftly on this tip-off, a police team led by the station inspector and supported by staff immediately proceeded to the suspected location to conduct an inspection.
Upon reaching the site, the officers discovered a group of people assembled in a paddy field. The land is owned by an individual named Muralidhara Rai. The police observed that several attendees were holding roosters, which were allegedly intended for use in cockfighting matches. The authorities on the spot informed the gathering that cockfighting is an illegal activity and explained the relevant legal provisions prohibiting it.
MLA Allegedly Instigates Crowd, Leading to Police Detention
However, the situation escalated when Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who was present at the venue, allegedly instigated and encouraged the crowd to proceed with the event despite the police warning. Following this alleged provocation, the group reportedly went ahead and commenced the cockfighting.
In response, the police team made necessary security arrangements and subsequently detained 16 individuals who were actively involved in the act. From the scene, law enforcement officials seized 22 roosters and the knives or blades that are typically attached to the birds' legs during such fights. The police have also alleged that the landowner, Muralidhara Rai, permitted his property to be used for this unlawful purpose without securing any valid permission.
Legal Charges and MLA's Defense of Tradition
Based on the evidence gathered during the raid, the Vittal police have registered a comprehensive case. The charges have been filed under multiple sections: Sections 189(2), 49, 221, 223, and 190 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), alongside Sections 3 and 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The accused include the MLA, the landowner, and the other detained participants.
In his defense, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai presented a different narrative, deeply rooted in local culture and tradition. He stated that the event was part of the annual 'Koli Anka' associated with the Ullalthi shrine in Kepu village, which he claims has an 800-year history. Rai emphasized that the three-day practice is a long-standing tradition where villagers and farmers bring roosters to participate as part of fulfilling religious vows, and he insisted that no betting or monetary exchange was involved.
"There is no betting, and even autorickshaws drop passengers without charging money on this occasion," the MLA asserted. He acknowledged the lack of a specific legal provision allowing the practice but claimed that they had requested officials to permit the event for at least three hours out of respect for religious sentiments. Rai argued that police intervention led to complaints from residents about restrictions on their religious freedom, and his visit was to support people in fulfilling their vows.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between the enforcement of modern animal cruelty laws and the preservation of deep-rooted cultural practices in various parts of India. The investigation is now ongoing, and further legal proceedings are expected to follow.
