Andhra police raid illegal cockfights, betting events, 14 arrested

With the arrest of 14 persons, the City Task Force (CTF) of the Andhra police on Thursday claimed to have busted illegal cockfighting and betting activities being carried out in the outskirts of the city.

Six roosters and Rs 12,550 cash were recovered from the accused, police said.

"Acting on a tip off, the CTF team raided Yendada area near Madhurawada and Nidigattu near Bhimili on the outskirts of the city this evening and caught the accused placing bets on the roosters," ACP (Task Force) I Chittibabu said.

The fourteen accused were charged under Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act of 1974, the ACP said adding that the accused will be produced before court on Monday.

Further investigation into the case is on.

This comes less than a week after the Andhra Pradesh government said that would take action against anyone who organized cock-fights during Sankranthi festival this year.

Gambling and cock-fights are offences under The Prevention and Cruelty to Animals Act, the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, and Andhra Pradesh Towns Nuisance Act, 1889.

Some reports suggest that many fights are conducted in villages along the Telangana and Andhra border, to escape from the police.

Around 1,347 instances of cock-fights and gambling were reported in the previous year.