Mangaluru: Vittal police have registered a case against Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai and 16 others for allegedly instigating and participating in illegal cockfighting at Kepu village in Bantwal taluk.According to police, they received credible information on Dec 20 about preparations for illegal cockfighting at Kepu village. A team from Vittal police station, led by the inspector and accompanied by station staff, rushed to the location to conduct an inspection.During the raid, police found several people gathered in a paddy field owned by Muralidhara Rai, holding roosters allegedly meant for cockfighting. Police informed those present that cockfighting is illegal and explained the relevant legal provisions.However, it is alleged that the Puttur MLA, who was present at the spot, instigated and abetted the gathering to continue with the activity. Following this, the group allegedly went ahead and began the cockfighting.Police then made security arrangements and detained 16 individuals involved in the act. They also seized 22 roosters and knives (blades) used for cockfighting from the spot.Police further alleged that the landowner, Muralidhara Rai, had allowed his land to be used for the illegal activity without obtaining any valid permission. Based on these findings, a case was registered under sections 189(2), 49, 221, 223, and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and sections 3 and 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act against the MLA, the landowner, and the others involved.Responding to the allegations, Ashok Kumar Rai said the Ullalthi shrine in Kepu village has a history spanning nearly 800 years, and that the annual ‘Koli Anka’ is held for three days as part of a long-standing traditional practice. He stated that villagers and farmers bring roosters to participate as part of their vows, without any betting involved. “There is no betting, and even autorickshaws drop passengers without charging money,” Rai said.He added that there is no specific legal provision allowing the practice, but claimed that they had requested officials to permit the event for at least three hours in view of religious sentiments.According to him, police attempts to stop the event led to complaints from residents about restrictions on religious freedom. “I visited the spot to ensure that people could fulfil their vows by participating in the ‘Koli Anka’ for three hours. We are not against the law, but we also need to stand with the people when it comes to traditional practices,” he said.
