Amaravati, Jan 15 (NationPress) In what is being termed a remarkable achievement, a local man has reportedly clinched an astonishing Rs 1.53 crore during a cockfight that took place in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district on Thursday, coinciding with the Sankranti festivities.

The individual, recognized as Rajahmundry Ramesh, emerged victorious in a high-stakes bet in Tadepalligudem town.

Ramesh, along with Gudivada Prabhakar, wagered a significant sum on their roosters, which had knives affixed to their feet. Ramesh's rooster triumphed, securing him the hefty payout.

This win is reportedly the highest stake made during the current Sankranti season. Local television broadcasts captured the jubilant celebrations of Ramesh and his friends following their triumphant bet.

Filled with excitement, Ramesh expressed his joy, noting that he had nurtured his specially-bred rooster with dry fruits for six months to ensure it was in peak condition for the bout.

On the same day, numerous cockfights were organized across various locations in Andhra Pradesh, continuing the tradition for the second consecutive day.

Despite a court-imposed ban and stern warnings from authorities, significant amounts of money exchanged hands during the cockfights, which many regard as a crucial element of Sankranti celebrations.

Backed by political figures, organizers established dedicated venues for the cockfights and other festivities in districts including East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru, Polavaram, and Krishna.

The events commenced with Bhogi on the first day and continued into Wednesday night, illuminated by floodlights at several locations. Similar scenes unfolded on Thursday night.

Notable personalities from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and neighboring states were present among the hundreds of spectators and bettors, including politicians, business leaders, and celebrities.

Despite police and district authorities issuing warnings against organizing cockfights and gambling, public representatives showed their support for the organizers by attending the events themselves.

Organizers have made plans to extend the cockfighting events into a third day on Friday.

Amid cheers from the audience, well-trained roosters fought with small knives attached to their legs, often resulting in the death of one of the birds.

Cockfighting and related gambling activities are outlawed under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act.

Animal rights organizations argue that provoking animal fights is illegal as outlined in Section 11(1)(m)(ii) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The act of organizing, managing, or providing a location for such fights also constitutes a cognizable offense under Section 11(1)(n).

Some organizers have defended their actions, claiming that the cockfights were conducted without betting, and emphasized that these events are integral to Sankranti traditions.

They also noted that courts have only prohibited cockfights involving roosters with knives attached.