Ahead of the beginning of Jallikattu at Palamedu, bull tamers repeatedly attempted to breach the barricades to enter the premises of the bull tamer testing centre. Police had to resort to Lathi-charge twice to bring the situation under control.
Published Jan 15, 2025 | 11:10 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 15, 2025 | 8:25 PM
An image from the Palamedu Jallikattu.
The second day of the three-day annual Jallikattu event in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu witnessed scuffles on Wednesday, 15 January, as police resorted to Lathi-charge at bull tamers.
Ahead of the beginning of Jallikattu at Palamedu, bull tamers repeatedly attempted to breach the barricades to enter the premises of the bull tamer testing centre.
Since the bull tamers had been forcing their way into the centre from early morning, police had to resort to Lathi-charge twice to bring the situation under control.
Despite police efforts, the tamers made a third attempt to break through the barricades and enter the centre, creating a tense environment. The testing centre resembled a chaotic battleground as authorities struggled to maintain order.
Meanwhile, the event started in Palamedu at 6.30 am and two injuries were reported after the first round of the Jallikattu. As of 9.00 am, all 118 bulls that arrived for medical testing were cleared to participate in the Jallikattu event. None of the bulls were disqualified during the examination.
Details of Injured So Far:
– Bull Taming Participants:24
– Bull Owners:11
The event, scheduled to end at 5 pm, may be extended based on the situation. Authorities have ensured strict compliance with all safety protocols, emphasising tradition while maintaining law and order. The Madurai district administration has made strict rules and security measures in place for the smooth conduct of the events.
On the first day of the event on Tuesday, at the Jallikattu in Avaniyapuram village, a participant died after being gored by a bull.
He was sent to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital for advanced treatment. The hospital administration confirmed that the participant passed away.
A bull was also killed.
In Sivaganga district, at Singampunari, near the Seerani Arena on Periyakadai Street, a Manju Virattu (bull race) event was held as part of the traditional Jallikattu celebrations.
Earlier, bulls from the Sevukaperumal temple, located in Thozhuvil, were released. Following that, over 200 bulls were brought from various districts including Madurai, Sivaganga, Pudukottai, Dindigul, and Tiruchirappalli, as well as from the surrounding areas of Singampunari. These bulls were let loose in different parts of the arena.
During the event, some bulls aggressively charged into the crowd, injuring 11 spectators. They were immediately rushed to the Singampunari Government Taluk Hospital for treatment.
One of the injured, 22-year-old Sivachandran from Branmala, Madhakupatti, sustained serious injuries and was given first aid before being referred to Madurai for further treatment. Many others were also injured in the incident.
This year, the event features 1,100 bulls and 900 tamers under the supervision of the Madurai district administration-led Jallikattu Organising Committee.
The best bull will be awarded a tractor worth ₹11 lakh and the best bull-tamer will receive a car worth ₹8 lakh. Other prizes include gold and silver coins, appliances, bicycles, and more.
The Alanganallur Jallikattu events will be held on 16 January.
The first Jallikattu event of Tamil Nadu for 2025 was held on Saturday at Thachankurichi village in Pudukkottai district. Pudukkottai district is known for having the highest number of vadivasal (entry points for bulls) and hosting the most Jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu.
Between January and 31 May, over 120 Jallikattu events, more than 30 bullock cart races, and over 50 vadamadu (tethered bull) events are typically conducted in the district.
(With inputs from K Nitika Shivani.)
