Published Jan 16, 2024 | 10:15 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 16, 2024 | 4:04 PM
Kodi Pandalu. (Supplied)
Betting games and Kodi Pandelu — cockfighting — were witnessed on a large scale in coastal Andhra Pradesh this Sankranti, despite being banned by both the state high court and the Supreme Court.
During the three-day harvest festival, the Godavari region in particular attracted significant attention, with even people from other states turning up to watch the popular blood sport.
South First‘s visited one such venue, even as at least 20 similar venues were organised in the Nidadavolu and Tanuku constituencies alone.
With the paddy fields harvested, the agricultural community in the fertile Godavari region consider the Sankranti festival as an occasion for families to reunite.
As the big day dawned, Undrajavaram village in Nidadavolu constituency began with Pindi Vantalu, traditionally cooked home dishes offered to the local deities.
Near Undrajavaram, there were multiple venues with gambling and cockfights organised by local leaders cutting across political lines. The bumpy road leading to the venue South First visited was crowded with people headed for the cockfights and traditional gambling games with cards.
The venue was in a recently-harvested paddy field of about four-five acres.
Different breeds of cocks were tied across the venue, awaiting their turn to fight. At least a 100 people were gathered around the cockpit in a tight circle displaying their cocks and looking for a worthy opponent.
The match is fixed. Its Nemali (Right) vs Abrasa (Left). (Supplied)
Soon, a group of 10 people was divided into two teams, each with their cocks, and they headed for the coin toss, with the winner getting to decide which cock from the opponent’s team to fight with.
One man chose to put his Nemali breed cock against an Abrasa, with people from all communities in the village cheering for one or the other. Knives/sharp-edged blades were tied to one leg of each cock — and the fight was set to begin.
The organisers of the cockpit began approaching spectators, asking them to place bets. Reportedly, the base price for the cocks to fight is ₹50,000, with a 10 percent commission for the organiser.
“Nemali, Abrasa, 2:1”, those seeking the bets were heard shouting, with the bets placed in a mere 10 minutes. Once the betting was done, the fight began.
It was not, however, a long-drawn affair, lasting around five minutes, with the Nemali breed winning.
The money was exchanged on the spot with little delay.
From traffic control to managing the fights, everything is organised by the venue organisers with the help of private security. All this was happening around a two-kilometres of the local police station.
Rama Rao, the Sub-Inspector of Undrajavaram, told South First that he was raiding the venues about which he had information. He had till then registered 15 cases, he said.
The organisers appeared least concerned about a police raid.
Searra Musalaiah, a native of Undrajavaram, who had just won a cockfight with his year-and-a-half-old Sethuva Povala breed, told South First that he has never lost a bet in Kodi Pandelu. He is a farmer and owns around 20 cocks. He said that all of his cocks are personally bred by him, and not purchased from outside.
He was awaiting bets with three other cocks, and had put the Sethuva Povala that has just won on sale as it had been severely injured. He was also seen advising young people around on which colour breed to choose for a bet with their cock.
Musalaiah said that, for the past 10 years, he has been visiting the same venue, and it is a source of pride and fun for him to be involved in rooster fighting during the three days of the festival.
He said that he has two copies of VV Ramana’s Kukkuta Sastram, a guide for cock breeders. Regarding the cock that won, he said that he fed it with almonds and cashews for strength.
Surprisingly, even school-going children are participating in the cockfighting, such as Sudhir Veeravalli of Class 10 who is waiting with a two-feet cock for the fight. Speaking to South First, he said he learned about cockfighting from a neighbour involved in grooming cocks.
In a fight mode between the cocks. (Supplied)
Asked if he was aware that cockfighting was banned, he replied in the affirmative. He added that his parents had warned him not to get involved, and that he was participating without their knowledge.
He is ready to place a bet of ₹5,000 on the cock that he has raised, and is checking for a “fight pair” with his cousins of the same age.
Tenant farmer Suri Kongalla said that he sometimes feels bad about participating in cockfighting, but it’s something he can’t give up. Many farmers have cocks, and after a year of hard work, it’s a fun and enjoyable time for them.
He elaborated on how carefully he groomed his fighting cock. There is an hour of swimming every day, almonds, cashews, and even mutton to make his cock tough to beat. He also gives the cock a bath every day before he himself bathes.
He said that Bhimavaram was his favourite venue for cockfighting, where he would find the best bets and perfect matches for his cock. However, due to the presence of many farming colleagues and his native connections, he continues to participate in Undrajavaram.
Cockfighting and gambling venues are not just limited to Undrajavaram, and are set up across coastal Andhra Pradesh, with Bhimavaram being a particularly favoured location.
Various card games were set up in stalls at the Undrajavaram venue. One such game was Board Aata, which translates simply to board game. Posters of actors Pawan Kalyan, Jr NTR, and actress Rashmika were displayed, and spectators placed bets on each.
The person running the show, called Pedda Anna, picked a card from the pack. Those who placed bets on Jr NTR won the round, and the rounds continued late into the night.
Local version of gambling and casino. (South First)
Other card games were being played by a mix of elders and youngsters. Everyone’s shirt pocket is stuffed with ₹500 notes. Liquor was also being served to those who came from other towns to play. Even tech professionals and NRIs were seen trying their luck on their return home for the festival.
In our previous article, it was noted that despite police claims of taking action against any misconduct or violation of the ban and the formation of committees, animal welfare activists alleged that due to political interests, the police were not enthusiastic about taking any action.
Additionally, in many places, such as Kakinada, animal welfare activists were not included in the mandal and panchayat committees formed by the police.
