88 injured, bull dies during jallikkattu at Periyasuriyur in Tiruchi

A bull tamer in action during jallikkattu at Periyasuriyur in Tiruchi on January 15, 2025.
| Photo Credit: M. Moorthy

 As many as 88 persons were injured, 12 of them seriously, and a bull died after being hit by another at a jallikkattu held at Periyasuriyur near Tiruchi on Wednesday (January 15, 2025).

In all, 679 bulls were released during the jallkattu, the first in the district this year. About 600 bull tamers participated in the event. As per norms, the bulls and tamers were subjected to medical screening before being allowed to enter the arena.

While a majority of the injured were treated by the medical teams at the venue, 12 of the seriously injured were referred to the Tiruchi Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital. Among the injured were three bull owners and an equal number of bull tamers. The rest were spectators.

A five-year-old bull died after being hit by another bull beyond the collection point. A charging bull that had exited the arena rammed into the other bull head-first. The injured bull was rushed to Palakkarai veterinary clinic where it was declared dead upon arrival, said sources in the Animal Husbandry Department. 

The event also provided a platform for some bonhomie between political rivals. Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the chief guest, handed over a prize to C. Vijayabaskar, former AIADMK Minister, whose bull ‘Chinna Komban‘ emerged victorious at the event.

In a brief address, Mr. Poyyamozhi said a multi-sport stadium, with a jallikkattu arena, would be built in Periya Suriyur at a cost of ₹3 crore.

Bicycles, steel vessels, dining table sets, bikes and other prizes were distributed to those who managed to tame the animals.