Jallikattu being held under tight security

Agencies Posted: Jan 16, 2008 at 1343 hrs
Madurai, January 16: A day after the ban on Tamil Nadu's traditional bull-fight, 'jallikattu' was lifted by the Supreme Court, the event was being held at Palamedu in the district under tight security and direct supervision of top police and district officials.

District Collector S S Jawahar and Superintendent of Police P Anbhu were present at the venue as per the conditions laid by the Supreme Court on Tuesday while granting permission to conduct the event, three days after it banned the game.

The Animal Welfare Board officials also were present at the venue.

As many as 500 bulls and 350 men were participating in the event.

All the bulls were subjected to medical test by qualified veterinary surgeons prior to the event. Participants of jallikattu were also asked to undergo medical test.

Further, they were frisked to ensure that they were not carrying sharp weapons like knife.

The 500 bulls, specially reared for the event, were brought from Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivagangai, Virdhunagar and Ramanathapuram. Each bull and each participant was given ID card (token) and barricades were erected to prevent the spectators mixing with the participants, officals said.

Jallikattu is organised in connection with the harvest festival of the state, Pongal.