‘Rs.1,000 cr changed hands during Sankranti in erstwhile KrishnaBesides card games and gundata, casinos were organised for three days

During the Sankranti celebrations in the erstwhile Krishna district – comprising Krishna, NTR, and Eluru districts — there was a substantial amount of economic activity, with over Rs.1,000 crore reportedly exchanging hands during traditional cockfighting and associated gambling events. Activities such as card games, gundata and casinos attracted a large number of bettors, spectators, and punters. Similar to the well-known arenas in the Godavari districts, extensive preparations were made for cockfighting events, drawing large crowds.
Cockfights were held day and night from January 13 (Bhogi) to 15 (Kanuma), and they ended on Wednesday. Traditional cockfights took place in various locations in NTR district, including Ramavarappaudu, Jakkampudi, Ambapuram, Enikepadu, Kondapalli, Vissannapeta, Tiruvuru, Kanchikacherla, and Nandigama. In Krishna district, the blood sport was organised at Edupugallu, Kankipadu, Gannavaram, Surampalli, China Avutapalli, Ampapuram, Bapulapadu, Gudivada, Bantumilli, Krithivennu, and Avanigadda. Special arrangements were made for VVIPs, VIPs, and local representatives at these cockfighting arenas.
Despite a ban on the blood sport from the Andhra Pradesh High Court, the police were unable to take strict action due to alleged pressure from political figures. Although officers claimed to have attempted to enforce the court’s order, cockfights were rampant during the three-day harvest festival, supported by political backing, particularly from leaders of the ruling TDP. Several political figures, including local representatives, were seen enthusiastically participating in the illegal sport.
This year, the number of female spectators increased compared to previous years. A police official, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “It is true that cockfights were arranged across the erstwhile Krishna district and the stakes were high. We tried to control gambling, such as card games and gundata, but we were under pressure.” Many people were observed driving to the locations where the blood sport was organised, cheering as roosters fought each other.
The gambling was reportedly highly organised and conducted openly, raising suspicions that ruling-party leaders were shielding the bettors. In addition to card games and gundata, casinos were set up at all cockfighting venues. Extensive arrangements were made at multiple locations for the fights, and political leaders from various parties attended the events, where organisers had established elaborate tents with seating.
Unconfirmed reports estimate that around Rs.1,000 crore was transacted during the three-day harvest festival, starting from Bhogi and concluding with Kanuma, across the Krishna, NTR, and Eluru districts. The highest levels of betting and related transactions occurred in the Krishna and Eluru districts. However, the Police Department was unable to control the cockfights, allegedly because influential leaders and several cabinet-rank MLAs instructed officials not to take any action against the organisers.
As a result, police officials and their staff did not intervene in the cockfight arenas across the former Krishna district. Consequently, gamblers engaged in gundata and played cards freely, with crores of rupees exchanged between bettors. Those who suffered financial losses returned home in tears, while winners celebrated and enjoyed their success.
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