Collectors file status report on Jallikattu

MADURAI:A status report on Jallikattu conducted in various places at Madurai, Tiruchy and Sivaganga was filed before a Division Bench in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday. The Collectors of the three districts, through additional advocate general Guru Krishna Kumar, produced photos and videos taken during Jallikattu, apart from submitting statistical records of the number of persons injured during the events.However, the Bench adjourned the hearing to Wednesday after the petitioner’s counsel produced photos of bulls allegedly being subjected to cruelty during the event. According to the status report submitted by the Additional Advocate General, there were no instances of bulls being injured or killed during the event.   While, there were no deaths reported during the event, eight persons were injured at Avaniapuram, seven at Palamedu, five at Alanganallur and three at Periyasuriyur in Tiruchy, said the report. No case of injury was reported in Sivaganga. This data showed a drastic reduction in the number of persons injured during the event last year. In 2011, 20 persons were injured in Avaniapuram, 71 in Palamedu, 58 in Alanganallur and 17 in  Siravayal (Sivaganga).Stating that conscious efforts were taken to ensure that the events  were held strictly  in adherence to the norms, the Additional Advocate General assured the court that the event would be conducted ensuring utmost safety for bulls and humans, in future. He, therefore, requested the court to permit Jallikattu in the months between February and May in 13 districts including Madurai, Salem, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Namakkal, Theni, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Ariyalur, Karur, Virudhunagar and Vellore. However, the court refused to give a blanket order and observed that the matter would be considered in the next hearing.