Tamil Nadu: Over 70 injured In First Three Days Of Jallikattu Festival

Around 76 people have already got injured in various parts of Tamil Nadu within three days of the Jallikattu festival, according to multiple reports. In Palamedu district, nineteen people have sustained injuries due to the festival on January 16, 2019, reported News Today. Near around 165 bulls has been released for the bull-taming festival in the region. The festival in the area was inaugurated by MLA Manickam of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(AIDMK).

Manickam told ANI that Jallikattu events that take place in Alanganallur and Palamedu are world famous. The Tamil Nadu government has found the places in the state where the festival could be held on various dates throughout the month. Areas like Thachankurichi, Keelapanaiyur, Vanniyanvidhuthi, Mangathevanpatti, and Viralimalai already held the festival.

Aspirants underwent health check-ups to participate in Thachankurichi

On January 14, 2019, which was the first day of the festival, around 13 people were injured at Thachankurichi village in the Gandarvakottai taluk of Pudukkottai district. The event in the region saw a release of 454 bulls, which lasted nearly five hours and was the first of the festive events permitted by the government, according to The Hindu report. The state government’s health department conducted check-ups on bull tamers who are eager to participate in the event. After the check-ups, 279 of them were permitted to take part in the event, and the rest were rejected on various medical grounds including high blood pressure. A couple of ambulances were deployed in the region. Four injured in the event on Monday were rushed to Thanjavur Medical College, and the nine others were released after receiving first aid.

Participants to enroll for life insurance before entering the ring in Madurai

In Avaniyapuram, nearly 44 people sustained injuries in the Jallikattu event organised by Madurai district administration. This included handlers, bull tamers, as well as the general public. Of these, eight were taken to Government Rajaji Hospital in the district. They are out of danger, reported The News Minute. The Madurai district saw an introduction of a first time scheme, where the Madurai district administration asked bull tamers to enrol themselves in a mandatory insurance scheme with coverage of Rs 2 lakh for accidental death before stepping inside the ring, reported the Times of India.

The Supreme Court in 2014 banned the festival after receiving complaints of extreme animal cruelty that takes place during the festival. However, in 2017, due to the popular demand, the state government introduced a law to circumvent the Supreme Court’s verdict.

Also Read: Know About The 7 Disputed Animal Sports In India Which Are Similar To Jallikattu