VIDEO | Jallikattu event turns TRAGIC in Tamil Nadu's Pudukkottai, 29 grievously injured

The much-loved Pongal harvest festival Jallikattu event took a distressing turn as 29 individuals sustained injuries in Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu. The event, also known as Yeruthazhuvuthal, commenced with full of cheers and excitement in the Pudukkottai district, drawing the enthusiastic participation of numerous young men. The injured have been taken to Thanjavur Medical College hospital.

In Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport, bulls are successively released into the arena filled with the cheering crowd. Over a hundred tamers engaged in a competitive spectacle, try their dominance over the powerful animals. The sport typically takes place in an open ground, amplifying the fervor of the event. Last year, the Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling affirming the legality of traditional bull-taming sports and bullock cart races. A five-judge Constitution bench, led by Justice KM Joseph, pronounced this decision, rejecting petitions, including one from PETA, challenging the law permitting Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.

Despite acknowledging the inherent cruelty in Jallikattu, the apex court differentiated it from a blood sport, emphasising the absence of weapons and regarding any bloodshed as incidental. The court recognised the involvement of cruelty while highlighting that participants engage not to harm the animals but to partake in the traditional sport. Amidst this cultural celebration, the event took a somber turn as 29 individuals sustained injuries during the Jallikattu event. Swiftly responding to the situation, the injured were promptly transported to Thanjavur Medical College for medical attention.