Two elderly spectators killed in jallikattu in Karur and Pudukottai districts

Elderly spectators killed in jallikattu events, multiple injuries reported in bull-taming events across various districts in Tamil Nadu.

In separate incidents, two elderly spectators were killed in a jallikattu organised at Rachandar Thirumalai in Karur district and Mangadevanpatti in Pudukottai district. The bull-taming events held at the two villages, and at Avarangadu in Tiruchi district and Vanniyanviduthi in Pudukottai district also left several people.

N. Kuzhandaivelu, 65, of Samuthiram in Srirangam taluk in Tiruchi district, succumbed to injuries after being gored by a bull at the event in Rachandar Thirumalai. Police sources said he began to bleed from his nose and mouth, and was referred to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital at Tiruchi after administration of first-aid. He died at the hospital.

At the Mangadevanpatti event, C. Perumal, 70, of Vilavayal in Kulathur taluk, was killed after being hit by a bull. He died at the Pudukottai Government Medical College Hospital. 

Minister for Electricity V. Senthilbalaji inaugurated the events at Rachandar Thirumalai, while Minister for Backward Classes Welfare Siva. V. Meyyanathan inaugurated the event at Vanniyanviduthi.

Police sources said that 734 bulls were released during the event at Rachandar Thirumalai, and 372 bull-tamers took the field in batches. A total of 62 persons were injured, of whom 55 were treated as out-patients at the venue.

More than 600 bulls were released at the Mangadevanpatti event, and 300 tamers had taken part. Eleven persons were injured.

Fifty-six persons were injured in the Avarangadu jallikattu, of whom ten were referred to hospitals. A total of 590 bulls were released, and 237 tamers had taken part.