Andhra man wins Rs 1.53 crore in a cockfight during Sankranti

Amaravati: In what is believed to be a record of sorts, a man reportedly won a staggering Rs 1.53 crore in a cockfight held during Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district on Thursday.

The man, identified as Rajahmundry Ramesh, won the huge bet on a cockfight at Tadepalligudem town.

Ramesh and Gudivada Prabhakar had bet a huge amount on their roosters with knives tied to their feet. Ramesh won the bet as his rooster emerged the winner in the fight.

This is said to be the highest bet during this Sankranti season. Videos on local television channels show Ramesh and his friends erupting in celebrations on winning the massive bet.

Ramesh was elated as his rooster made him a millionaire. He said he had fed dry fruits to his special-bred rooster for six months to keep it fit and strong for the fight.

Meanwhile, cockfights were organised on a large scale at several places in Andhra Pradesh for the second consecutive day on Thursday.

A court ban and the warnings by authorities had no impact as crores changed hands on cockfights, seen by many as an integral part of Sankranti celebrations.

Organisers backed by politicians set up special arenas for cockfights and other activities in East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru, Polavaram, and Krishna districts.

The activity, which began with Bhogi on the first day, continued throughout Wednesday night under flood lights at many places. Similar scenes were witnessed on Thursday night.

Prominent personalities from various parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and neighbouring states were among hundreds of spectators and punters. They included politicians of all hues, businessmen and celebrities.