AP Govt nod for cock fights

Rajamahendravaram Dec 22: In a major relief for persons who bet during cockfights during Sankranti festival Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister N Chinarajappa on Friday declared that people could go ahead with conducting cockfights during the three days of Sankranti festival.

He made the announcement after he called on Rajamahendravaram rural MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary who underwent surgery for his knee. Talking to media persons Dy Cm had said: "there was a need to protect the culture and traditions and act according to law."

Earlier the High court had banned the cockfights as it was cruel to the cocks and many people have lost their lives by involving in betting on cocks. Cockfights are a special attraction in the AP during the Sankranti festival which is conducted in January.