27 hurt in Namakkal jallikattu

Three youth, who were badly injured, were given first aid and rushed to the Namakkal District Government Headquarters Hospital, where they were admitted and given intensive care. The three were identified as Cheran (24) of Mangalapuram, Pasupathi (23) of Palayapalayam and Sarath Kumar (25) of Periyakavundampalayam near Vazhapadi in Salem district.

Earlier in the day, the bulls and the tamers were examined by doctors from the Animal Husbandry Department and Health Department respectively. Only those certified fit were allowed to take part in the traditional sport.

Collector Asia Mariam administered an oath to the tamers to abide by the rules and not to harass the animal. More than 200 police personnel led by Superintendent of Police S Maheswaran over saw the security arrangements. 

Gold coins, silver articles and cash prizes were given to the tamers and bull owners who won in the event. The crowd was overwhelmed when around 10 villagers, who owned trucks, parked the vehicles close to the jallikattu arena to help hundreds of visitors climb on them and safely witness the sport.