17 bull tamers suffer serious injuries in Thirumangalam jallikattu

Sources said that 637 tamers were totally screened for their fitness and only 586 of them were permitted for taming the bulls.

Around 17 bull tamers suffered injuries during the event, said Deputy Director of Health, KVArjun said.

Speaking to Collector of Madurai S Nagarajan, he said that the jallikattu event was conducted after attaining prior permission.

According to Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, R Rajasekaran, a total of 746 bulls from Madurai and various districts across TN were examined ahead of the event, which began at 8 am and concluded at 4 pm in the evening. Of the bulls screened, 18 bulls were rejected for being unfit to participate in the event.

Overall 728 bulls were permitted into the arena. When asked about the condition of those tamers, who suffered major injuries, the JD said that they were mostly hurt in their rib cage but the bull did not pierce their body.

He said that all the injured were admitted to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital and are receiving treatment. Meanwhile, five bulls suffered minor injuries. Sources said police personnel controlled some people, who tried to enter the arena without knowing whether they were real tamers or spectators.

Organizing committee sources said, the jallikattu at Karadikal was planned several days ago but due to LS elections, permission from District Administration was obtained after delays.

Dean of the Hospital, K Vanitha said, six tamers in morning hours and seven others in afternoon were admitted to trauma care unit with major injuries.

Among 13 injured victims the condition of one of the victim is said to be critical. Eleven others would undergo surgical treatments. Two other injured victims were required orthopedic treatment,he said.