First jallikattu of this season conducted under strict vigil in Pudukkottai district
TIRUCHY: The first ever jallikattu event this year was held at Thatchankurichi village near Gandarvakottai in Pudukkottai district on Thursday by strictly following the protocols. As many as 587 bulls were released and 300 tamers took part in the event, while 54 persons sustained injuries.
With strict regulations and vigil maintained by the police and officials, 700 bulls registered for the event were brought to the vaadivaasal and they were let into the rings one by one. Youth from in and around Pudukkottai were allowed to take part in the event. As the number of spectators was restricted to 150, outsiders were not allowed to witness the event. Temporary check posts were set up around the village and a heavy posse of police was posted in and around the venue.
SP Nisha Parthiban oversaw the security arrangements. The event was flagged off by Collector Kavitha Ramu and the temple bull was released first to mark the commencement of the event. The tamers were divided into groups and were allowed on a rotation basis into the playing arena. Those who had taken two doses of COVID 19 vaccine were only allowed to take part in the jallikattu.
Since the event was scheduled till 2.30 pm, officials announced the event would close and only 587 bulls could be released. When the bull owners demanded to extend the time, the officials refused. This irritated the bull owners who released the remaining bulls on the ground and the animals ran amok threatening the onlookers.
Soon the organisers ran to the ground and insisted the owners take control of their respective bulls. Around 4 pm, all the bulls were cleared from the spot.
As many as 54 persons, including 10 spectators, were injured. Since they suffered minor injuries, all were treated near the vaadivaasal, where the ambulances were stationed, itself and sent home.