A YouTuber from Chinnappampatti in Salem district, Tamil Nadu, is in legal trouble after posting a shocking video on social media.
The footage reveals the man’s Jallikattu bull being forcefully fed a live rooster, leading to widespread condemnation. The 2.48-minute video, shared by YouTuber Ragu, depicts three men restraining the bull while another forcefully inserts raw meat and a live chicken into the bull’s mouth.
Case Filed Against YouTuber
Prompted by a complaint from Arun Prasanna, founder of People For Cattle Aim India (PFCI), the Salem district police have filed a case against the YouTuber. The charges include maiming and violations of the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act. The police are currently investigating the matter, and no arrests have been made yet.
Controversy Surrounding Jallikattu
Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming festival celebrated during Pongal in Tamil Nadu, has long been a subject of controversy. In the video, the bull is subjected to cruelty as it is fed a live rooster, sparking outrage from animal rights activists and the public. Winning bulls in Jallikattu are highly valued and often receive prizes, including gold coins.
Legal Charges Extend to Religious Sentiments
The FIR against the YouTuber also includes charges related to hurting religious sentiments. Animal rights activists argue that the act of feeding a live chicken to the bull is not only inhumane but also risks setting a dangerous precedent. Bulls that perform well in Jallikattu are in demand for breeding and fetch high prices in the market.
Concerns and Outcry
Arun Prasanna, the complainant, emphasized the extreme cruelty inflicted on both the live rooster and the herbivorous bull. The act of forcing a herbivorous animal to consume poultry is deemed unimaginable and has sparked fears of a negative trend in the treatment of bulls in Jallikattu events. The video has reignited debates around the ethical treatment of animals in traditional cultural practices.
Tragic Incident in Recent Jallikattu Event
Coinciding with this controversy, a recent Jallikattu event in Sivaganga resulted in tragedy, with two spectators losing their lives and 40 others sustaining injuries. The incident has added to the ongoing discussions about the safety and ethical concerns surrounding Jallikattu.