1 killed, 32 spectators injured at Melmayil bull run event

Police identified the deceased as Dinesh Kumar (20), son of Munusamy of Gudiyattam. Nearly 100 bulls from Ambur, Pernambut, Paradarami and Gudiyattam, participated in the run at Melmayil village near KK Kuppam near Gudiyattam. The event saw a good turnout of spectators. While the run was on, some spectators accidentally crossed into the way of a bull, which ploughed through the crowd injuring 32 persons. Of the 32 hurt, 25 were treated at the temporary medical camp set up near the spot while 9 others were rushed to the Vellore GMCH. However, Dinesh Kumar, one of the injured spectators, was declared brought dead on arrival at the Vellore GH.

Amidst this melee, one of the bulls that completed its run fell into a ground level agricultural well located near the venue. After an hour-long battle, the fire and rescue service personnel managed to pull the bull out of the farm well. Veterinarians, who were present at the venue, examined and detected that the animal had suffered a fracture on one of its legs. After being rendered first aid, the bull was taken to a veterinary hospital in Vellore. KV Kuppam police have registered a case and are investigating.

Meanwhile, Maruthaimuthan (61), a resident of Kuravankulam in Madurai district, who suffered grievous injuries during a jallikattu event on January 17 at Alanganallur, succumbed. Sources said Maruthaimuthu after watching the jallikattu at Alanganallur, was walking along the Periyar canal when a bull ran suddenly attacked him. He suffered grievous injuries on his chest and was admitted to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. However, he succumbed without responding to treatment, sources said.