One spectator killed, 36 hurt during Alanganallur jallikattu

The deceased victim has been identified as Sridhar, a resident of Sholavandan. While the ill-fated victim was watching the jallikattu, a bull, after passing through Vadivasal, hit him. Though the injured victim was rushed to hospital and given all medical treatment, his life couldnot be saved.

Meanwhile, Chellapandi, another spectator from Chekkanurani, Madurai, fainted during the event, owing to health complications, and was declared dead later. The exact cause of his death would be known only after a post-mortem, sources said.

Thirty-six persons suffered injuries during the jallikattu. Among those injured, 18 were tamers, 10 bull owners and eight spectators. Of those injured, 13 victims were referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Among those referred, six were tamers, five spectators and two bull owners, Deputy Director of Health Service P. Priyaraj said.

Earlier, the jallikattu at Alanganallur, which has made its presence felt on the global map, got off to a rousing start, amidst a huge gathering. It’s first in the history of Alanganallur jallikattu that the bull-taming sport was organised under the guidance of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which constituted an organising committee led by C. Manickam, retired Principal District Judge, as chairman.

In total, 877 tamers had enrolled their names for participation, but only 688 were on field after 10 others were rejected. According to sources from the Department of Animal Husbandry, a total of 750 bulls got registered, but five were rejected citing fitness concerns.

Ranjith Kumar, a tamer from Alanganallur, became the top performer, who stole the show after taming 16 bulls. He bagged the first prize, after nine rounds were conducted. The winner was offereda car as prize.

Karthik, another tamer, from Ayathampatti, Alagarkovil, came second, after taming 14 bulls, and Ganesan from Aritapatti was ranked third after taming 13 bulls, the sources said. Moreover, bulls that excelled in the sport earned recognition for its owners, who were also awarded prizes.

During the event, scores of tamers waited eagerly close to the Vadivasal to get hold of the bulls hump. The tamers tried their best to excel in the sport. While attempting to get hold of the bull’s hump, many were tossed into air. While attempts of many tamers failed, it proved fruitful for some.

The much-awaited jallikattu was inaugurated by Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, RB. Udhayakumar in the presence of the Organising Committee Chairman, Health Minister C. Vijaya Baskar, Madurai Collector TG. Vinay, Superintendent of Police N. Manivannan and O.P. Raveendranath Kumar, Theni MP.