Chennai: A probe has been initiated into the deaths that happened during Jallikattu events. Reports said that four people had lost their lives and many injured during the bull taming sport held at different places.
A 26-year-old ‘jallikattu’ spectator was gored to death by a bull outside the sporting arena at Alanganallur on Friday, police said. In what appeared to be a freak mishap, Sridhar sustained grievous injuries after he was attacked by a bull off the exit and bull collection point. A native of Sholavandhan village near here, he travelled to Alanganallur to witness the sport. Another onlooker, Chellapandi of Oothupatti village too died and the reason for his death is being ascertained, they said.
A police official told PTI: ”Both of them were spectators and they were not on the ground (as contestants) where the the bull-taming sport was held”.
Another official said: ”It is suspected that Chellapandi might have had some pre-existing health condition. He fell down and sustained injuries. However, whether he was gored by a bull or not is unclear since there was a huge crowd”. Their bodies were moved to the Government Rajaji Hospital, the official said.
Similarly, Palaniandi, a bull onwer who was waiting to catch his bull from the arena exit was attacked by another bull. He was admitted to the Manapparai Government Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
A 23-year-old Uththarakumar, who was at the Eruthatam event near Edappadi lost his life after a bull attacked him while he was taking selfie with his friends.
The ongoing jallikattu season began on 15 January at Avaniapuram in Madurai district and was held in various places today.
Tamer tamed
Ranjith, who captured 16 bulls during the Alanganallur Jallikattu yesterday, was adjudged the best tamer and was given a car as gift. Ranjith thanked his friend Mohammed for supporting him and giving him confidence. He said he would not take part in Jallikattu events henceforth. Meanwhile, a bull Karuppan, belonging to Maranadu was adjudged as the best bull.
Wild, mild
A bull was on a wild run near Sivaganga. However when a woman carrying a baby and holding another child crossed its path, the animal jumped over them without hurting them. This video is being shared virally.
Rough ride
A policeman who was on duty during a Jallikattu event near Vellore was lifted by a bull with its horns and he was carried by the animal for a short distance after which he was dropped.