Archive · 22 Dec 2025
MLAs Booked for Illegal Cockfighting
Two MLAs, Ashok Kumar Rai and Sanjeeva Matandoor, along with 43 others, were booked for organizing and participating in illegal cockfighting events in Karnataka.
The police raided a paddy field in Kepu village and found people gathered with roosters ready for a fight.
The MLAs are accused of encouraging the event despite it being illegal.
The police seized 22 roosters and blades, and arrested 16 people.
The landowner also faces charges for allowing the event on his property.
The case involves violations of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai and former BJP MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor booked for illegal cockfighting.
Event took place at Kepu village in Bantwal taluk on Saturday afternoon.
Police seized 22 roosters and blades used for cockfighting.
16 participants and the landowner were arrested for the illegal activity.
Violations include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- Who
- MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, former BJP MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor, landowner Muralidhar Rai, and 16 participants
- What
- Illegal cockfighting event
- When
- Saturday afternoon
- Where
- Kepu village, Bantwal taluk
- Why
- To instigate and participate in an illegal cockfighting event
Law Enforcement
Participants
Legality of Cockfighting
Law Enforcement
Cockfighting is illegal and violates the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Participants
Participants argue that cockfighting is a traditional practice and should be allowed.
- MLAs Involved
- Ashok Kumar Rai, Sanjeeva Matandoor
- Location
- Kepu village, Bantwal taluk
- Date of Incident
- Saturday afternoon
- Number of Arrested
- 16
- Roosters Seized
- 22
- Blades Seized
- Blades used for cockfighting
- Laws Violated
- BNS, 2023, and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
