Spectator dies, 29 hurt in Alanganallur Jallikattu

As many as 29 bull tamers were injured and a 45-year-old spectator died of heart attack at the much-awaited jallikattu in Alanganallur on Thursday, while six of them suffered major injuries and were admitted at the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital.

The grand finale of the jallikattu event, which started at 8 am, was inaugurated by Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, RB Udhayakumar, in the presence of Madurai Collector S Nararajan, Inspector General of Police KP Shanmuga Rajeswaran and SP N Manivannan.

The jumping bulls got through the vaadivaasal (enclosure) and with great expectations, the tamers tried to their best to excel at the bull-taming sport, keeping the spectators enthralled throughout the schedule. The tamers in different batches entered the arena in succession after every one hour and showcased their heroics at taming the bulls. Even foreigners were present at the spectators’ stand witnessing the event.

Sources from the organising committee of the event said that a total of 729 bulls played in nine rounds and 697 tamers had participated in the event.

Adequate police forces were deployed to avoid any untoward incidents. According to Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, R Rajasekaran, 12 teams of veterinary doctors examined a total of 822 bulls for intoxication, doping or drugging at the venue. However, 16 bulls got rejected after the examination, he said. Among the bulls participated, seven belonged to Health Minister C Vijayabaskar, who also witnessed the event at Alanganallur. Later, Ramanathapuram Collector K Veera Raghava Rao also joined, sources said.

First aid centres were also kept ready by the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), with teams of doctors and veterinarians to render emergency care to the injured. It was a voluntary initiative by the ITBP after getting prior permission from authorities concerned, said Deputy Commandant of 45 Battalion, Ranvijay Singh.

Mohan, veterinary officer, ITBP, said that one team comprising 25 doctors and another team led by Medical Officer Praveen Reddy rendered assistance. Around 10 to 15 bulls crashed down on the ground due to dehydration and veterinary assistance was provided to the animals, Mohan said.

According to Madurai Deputy Director of Health, KV Arjun, as many as 29 bull tamers were injured during the course of the event. Among them, six tamers suffered major injuries and were admitted to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital. Their condition is stable, he said.

To his credit, Ranjith Kumar from Alanganallur, the bull tamer who tamed as many as 15 bulls, was adjudged the winner. Besides, a bull under the control of Selliamman Kovil at Parambupatti village in Madurai won the competition, sources said.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam would honour the winners. Besides, attractive prizes were also given on spot to the bull rearers and tamers who excelled, sources said.

Meanwhile, a person identified as Valliappan, a temporary veterinary doctor from Theni, took the stage claiming to be a member of All India Welfare Board (AIWB). This led to a minor quarrel between him and Madurai Revenue Divisional Officer P Aravind, as the vet was asked to leave the stage, where the dignitaries were present. Meanwhile, some spectators went on to assault Valliappan, believing he was a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The issue was resolved soon, sources said.

In another Jallikattu event, held at Siravayal in Sivagangai district, as many as 22 tamers were injured. Of those, 11 tamers availed treatment in private hospitals, while two others are under treatment at Sivagangai Government Hospital. The rest were treated at out-patient departments, Sivagangai district Collctor J Jayakanthan said.

As many as 87 bulls were registered for the event, however, three of them were rejected. A total of 60 bull tamers participated in the event, the Collector added.