The Vitla police booked former BJP MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor, BJP district president Satish Kumpala, and five others for allegedly supporting the conduct of an illegal cockfight on the land owned by Muralidhar Rai in Kepu village of Bantwal taluk on Sunday.
According to the police, the accused visited Muralidhar Rai’s place on Sunday morning after hearing about the conduct of the cockfight, for which no permission had been given. When they visited, a big group of people were seen engaged in cock fight. Despite stating that the cock fight was illegal, people continued with the cock fight. The accused allegedly encouraged them to continue the fight.
The police took 20 persons into custody, who were involved in the cockfight. The police seized 20 hens and the sharp objects used for the fights. Matandoor and six others were booked for supporting the conduct of the fight.
A case was registed for offences punishable under Sections 189(2), 49, 221, 223 and 190 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3 and 11 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
On Saturday, the police had booked Ashok Kumar Rai, MLA for Puttur, and 16 others under the same sections for holding an illegal cockfight at the same place.
