Tamil Nadu: 19-year-old spectator killed during Jallikattu in Palamedu

A 19-year-old spectator was gored to death at Palamedu in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu during Jallikattu or bull-taming festivities on Monday. Around 25 people were also injuries during the incident. Among which five of them have been referred to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, where the condition of one remains critical.

The deceased has been identified as S. Kalimuthu (19), a native of Sanarpatti in Dindigul district who had come to witness the Jallikattu event. The incident took place at the end of the arena where scores of young men chase a bull and wrestle with it in a tradition to celebrate the festival.

A total of 458 bulls participated in the event, which got over at 3.15 p.m.

The sport was marred by controversies this year when the Madurai district collector made the Aadhaar card mandatory for registration of bulls.

After mass protests last year against banning the sport, Jallikattu was organised following the passing of an ordinance amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The rules of the sport say that a bull tamer will be awarded a prize if he hangs on to the hump of the animal for a certain period of time.

OneIndia News