PUDUKOTTAI: At least 30 people were injured during a jallikattu event at Vadamalapur near Pudukkottai on Saturday after bulls charged into the arena and gored participants and spectators.
Of the injured, 11 were participants, 12 bull owners and seven spectators, officials said. All of them were given first aid at a medical camp set up near the venue, while some were referred to the Pudukkottai Government Medical College Hospital for further treatment.
The jallikattu event was held as part of the Pongal festivities. Ministers Regupathi and Siva V Meyyanathan flagged off the competition at the jallikattu arena. Bulls were brought not only from Pudukkottai district but also from Thanjavur, Tiruchy and Sivaganga districts.
A total of 592 bulls were registered for the event, while 186 got themselves enrolled to participate. After the jallikattu pledge, temple bulls were released first, followed by other bulls through the vaadivasal in phases, with bull-tamers allowed into the arena round by round.
Several bulls charged aggressively, tossing aside participants with their horns, while some participants climbed iron barricades to avoid being injured. Others managed to hold on to the hump of the bulls. Cash prizes, including silver coins, were awarded to successful bull-tamers and to owners of bulls that evaded capture.
Large crowds from nearby villages gathered to watch the event, with some spectators climbing on parked heavy vehicles for a better view. When a few youths entered the arena out of enthusiasm, police dispersed them with a mild lathi charge, leading to brief tension before the event returned to normal.
More than 300 police personnel, led by Pudukkottai Town Deputy Superintendent of Police Brindha, were deployed to provide security at the venue.