Illegal cockfight case: 27 including former MLA, BJP district president booked

Mangaluru: With the illegal cockfighting event continuing for the second day at Kepu in Bantwal taluk, the Vittal police conducted a raid and booked 27 people in connection with the offence.

According to the police, the raid was conducted at an agricultural field belonging to one Muralidhara Rai, where several people had gathered and were allegedly engaging in violent and unlawful cockfighting. Despite being informed about the legal consequences, the crowd refused to disperse. During the operation, the police detained 20 persons found actively involved in the cockfighting. They also seized 20 roosters and sharp blades used for the fights.

The police further alleged that seven individuals including BJP leaders former MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor, Muralidhara Rai, BJP district president Satish Kumpala, Dayananda Ujiremara, Hariprasad Yadav, Ashok Shetty Vittal, and Rajesh Balekallu — instigated and encouraged the continuation of the cockfighting.

A case has been registered at Vittal police station under Sections 189(2), 49, 221, 223 and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 3 and 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Further investigation is underway.