Why Were 20 Individuals Booked for an Illegal Bull Race in Thiruvananthapuram?
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Synopsis
In Thiruvananthapuram, a shocking incident of animal cruelty unfolds as 20 individuals are booked for organizing an illegal bull race. Despite prior warnings, the event was conducted, raising serious concerns about animal welfare. This case highlights the ongoing struggle against such brutal traditions in Kerala.
Key Takeaways
- 20 individuals were charged for organizing an illegal bull race.
- The event, known as maramadi, took place despite prior warnings.
- PETA India played a crucial role in bringing attention to this case.
- The Supreme Court has declared bull races illegal due to animal cruelty concerns.
- Further investigations are ongoing to address this issue.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 3 (NationPress) A total of 20 individuals have been charged for their roles in conducting and participating in an unlawful bull race, referred to locally as "maramadi", in the Pallikkal region of Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram Rural district, as reported by police on Wednesday.
The action was initiated following a complaint filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.
The case is being investigated at the Pallikkal police station under Section 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Section 120(l) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, and Sections 3 and 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
The FIR accuses the 20 accused of illegally organizing a race involving 19 pairs of bulls, subjecting them to excessive strain and mistreatment.
According to police, the event organizers had previously been warned against proceeding after promotional material for the race circulated on WhatsApp groups.
However, subsequent videos confirmed that the race took place despite these warnings.
“The Supreme Court and the Kerala High Court have explicitly stated that bull races are prohibited and inherently inhumane,” remarked PETA India Emergency Response Coordinator Divya Chavan.
“We applaud the Thiruvananthapuram rural police for swiftly filing the FIR and sending a strong message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.”
Animal welfare organizations highlight that bulls involved in such races are frequently subjected to harsh treatment, including pulling their nose ropes, whipping, twisting their tails, and even fracturing tailbones to force them to run faster.
This incident is not isolated in Kerala.
On September 8, 2024, Alathur police in Palakkad filed a suo motu FIR against the organizers of another bullock cart race following a complaint from PETA India.
Previously, in May 2022, a court in Palakkad convicted several individuals for conducting a similar illegal race in Malampuzha in 2021.
The Kerala High Court, in a 2015 ruling, reaffirmed its obligation to follow a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the national ban on bull races, indicating that bulls are not anatomically suited for such activities.
Police have indicated that further investigations are ongoing.
Point of View
It is imperative we highlight the serious implications of animal cruelty in our society. This incident not only sheds light on the ongoing struggle against illegal bull races in Kerala but also emphasizes the need for stringent enforcement of animal welfare laws to prevent such occurrences in the future.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is maramadi?
Maramadi is a local term for bull races in Kerala, which are often conducted illegally and subjected to severe animal cruelty.
What legal actions were taken against the organizers?
The police registered a case under multiple sections of the law, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, against the 20 individuals involved.
What does PETA India say about bull races?
PETA India has condemned bull races as illegal and inherently cruel, urging authorities to enforce strict measures against such activities.
What are the implications of this case?
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in enforcing animal welfare laws and raises awareness about the cruel treatment of animals in traditional sports.
How have the courts responded to bull races in India?
Both the Supreme Court and the Kerala High Court have ruled against bull races, reaffirming the ban and emphasizing the need for animal protection.
