Only nearby bull owners, tamers will be allowed entry into Avaniapuram Jallikattu: Police

CHENNAI: Madurai police on Sunday said only bull owners and their tamers with police-issued passes will be allowed to enter the famous Avaniapuram Jallikattu, which will be held on Monday, Pongal.

Avaniapuram Jallikattu is a famous bull taming event held every year in Madurai district as part of the Pongal harvest festival of Tamil Nadu.

Madurai City Police Commissioner J.Loganathan said passes have already been issued along with photo identity cards and the owners and tamers should also hold a fitness certificate issued by a medical officer.

He said that if the bull owner and his handlers are found in an intoxicated state, they will not be allowed to enter the arena.

He said that the police have informed the bull owners and those controlling them not to use knives or sharp weapons to cut the nose rope of the bulls.

“The district administration has already appointed a trained person to cut them. The police have also directed the owners of houses around the Jallikattu venue not to allow any person other than their relatives in their premises to watch the event.

He said that if any law-and-order situation arises due to the presence of strangers, owners of houses allowing them inside will face strict action.

He said the bull owner and one helper will be allowed to escort the bull to the venue via Mullai Nagar and Avaniapuram police station to join the queue after midnight on Sunday towards the Jallikattu venue.

He said that traffic has also been controlled in view of the possibility of huge crowd at the Jallikattu event.