41 injured during bull taming sport 'Jallikkettu' in Madurai

, Jan 15: At least 41 persons, including bull tamers and audience, were injured during the popular 'Jallikattu' (bull taming sport) held as part of "Pongal" festival at nearby Palamedu today, police said. While seven persons were admitted to Government hospital, others were treated as out patients and they were sent back after giving first aid, police said.

The condition of those admitted to the hospital was not serious, they said. As many as 530 bulls, including from neighbouring districts, were brought for the event and people from many parts of the state and abroad have came here to witnessed the sport. Heavy police force was deployed for the event, conducted as per the guidelines of Supreme Court and Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Regulation Act in the wake of complaints from animal rights activists about cruelty to animals.

Authorities had made sure that the bulls were not subjected to harassment and administered intoxicants. The bulls were medically examined prior to the event. Strict vigil was also made to ensure that the bull tamers were not inebriated, they added.

PTI