20 bulls, 102 humans have died in Jallikattu events since 2017

Nagpur: Around 102 people and 20 bulls have been killed in Jallikattu incidents since 2017. An investigative report reveals what could be yet another red rag for the detractors of the bull-taming sport, reports Manka Behl.

According to ‘Jallikattu Cult Politics, Facts, Killings and Covid Deaths’ by the non-profit organization Elsa Foundation, the human deaths included around 81 spectators and passers-by, and 21 bull tamers. A large number of schoolchildren have also lost their lives.

The report, which draws from ground and news reports since 2017, highlights the disturbing reality of the bull-taming sport organized in Tamil Nadu. In a very historic judgment in the year 2014, the SC banned the game. However, in 2017, Tamil Nadu passed a state-level amendment to the Central Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, allowing Jallikattu as it has become intrinsic to Tamil culture.

Report highlights the problematic nature of the Manjuvirattu

When the amendment was challenged by animal rights organizations, the state again argued that Jallikattu has high-security measures, and killing of both humans and bulls is a thing of the past. Rejecting these claims, the Elsa report found that 10 people have already been killed, almost three weeks after Jallikattu was held on February 8 this year. “These numbers show a serious lack of security procedures and abdication of responsibility by the state,” the researchers said.

The report also highlights the problematic nature of the Manjuvirattu and the Eruthu Veedum Vizha forms of Jallikattu, Which do not follow any rules laid down by the Supreme Court, Animal Welfare Board, or State Jallikattu law at all.

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