Vijayawada, Jan 11: Incharge police commissioner and Eluru range DIG, MM Bhagawat on Sunday warned the organisers of the dire consequences of indulging in pre-Pongal cock-fights.Cockfights are synoymous with Sankranti festivities and gamblers, despite the warning, find new ways to hoodwink the police. Crores of rupees change hands during the cock-fights in Krishna, West and East Godavari districts. Even punter from other states are descending here to gamble.Last year, Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka landed in a special chopper to participate in the public entertainments and this shows the craze of betting.
The incharge commissioner said 300 persons were bound over and the department is determined to check this menace this time. He said already some political leaders were bringing pressure on them to allow cockfights and he urged them not to poke their noses into the working of Police Department.He urged the people to desist from cockfights, cricket betting and urged all to call to his mobile 9440904810 against all kinds of anti-social activities. Already two major cricket betting gangs were busted, thanks to the message received on that number, he added.