Case Filed Against Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai In Connection With Illegal Cockfighting Event

– Manglauru: Vittal police registered a case against Puttur Assembly constituency MLA Ashok Kumar Rai for allegedly instigating an illegal cockfighting event at Kepu village in Bantwal taluk on Saturday afternoon.

Police also filed a case against the land owner and 16 people who attended the event.

According to the police, acting on a tip-off, Vittal Police Station Inspector and his staff reached the paddy field belonging to Muralidhar Rai in Kepu village, where preparations for illegal cockfighting were allegedly taking place. A few people were seen gathered at the spot holding roosters prepared for fighting.

Police said in a press release that the crowd gathered was initially warned and informed about the legal consequences of cockfighting. But despite this, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who was present at the scene, allegedly instigated and abetted the meeting for the illegal activity to continue, following which cockfighting reportedly started.

The police later took the situation under control by taking adequate security measures and detained 16 people involved in the illegal activity. About 22 roosters and swords used in cockfighting were seized at the scene.

Police also stated that the land owner, Muralidhar Rai, allegedly allowed his property to be used for illegal activity without obtaining any valid permission.

A case was registered at Vittal Police Station against the MLA, the land owner and 16 accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.