Sources from Pudukottai have stated that two spectators were killed and 69 others injured at the Jallikattu held on the Sri Muthumariamman temple grounds at Tiruvappur in the town on Sunday. It was stated that the festival was organized after a four year gap and a large number of bulls had been brought in from various parts of Pudukottai, Tiruchy, Madurai and adjoining Sivaganga district.
It was stated that in all, 350 bulls were registered for the event and about 500 young tamers took part. Two spectators, S. Wasim Akram of Kamarajapuram and M. Vellaisamy of Ellaipatti, were gored to death. While Wasim Akram succumbed to injuries on the spot, Vellaisamy died on the way to the Government Headquarters Hospital here.
Of the injured, 34 persons were given first-aid on the spot
and referred to the Government Headquarters Hospital. Three persons M.
Senthilkumar (34) of Melakayampatti, D. Alex (17) of Namanasamuthiram village
and M. Veeraraghavan (20) of Aranthangi were referred to Thanjavur Medical
College and Hospital.
Meanwhile elaborate arrangements had been made for the safety of bull-tamers. Barricades had been set up for about 300 meters, but the bulls went berserk well beyond this boundary, ramming into a crowd of spectators. Shortly after news about the death of the two individuals was received, the organizers suspended the event.
