Jaisalmer: Police raided an illegal cockfight and gambling operation in the Bhadra police station area of Hanumangarh on New Year’s Eve, arresting 10 people. The main accused and organiser, Barkat Ali, however, escaped.Hanumangarh SP Harishankar said on Thursday that acting on secret information received late Wednesday evening, a police team conducted the raid after learning that roosters were being made to fight and money was being wagered, an offence under animal cruelty and gambling laws.“As soon as the police team arrived, chaos ensued at the spot and many people tried to flee, but police arrested 10 individuals on the spot,” Harishankar said.Police seized two cars, two motorcycles and Rs 43,500 in cash wagered at the spot. Several roosters found injured were treated by a team of veterinary doctors and later handed over to a public institution for care.During interrogation, police said the cockfight was organised by Barkat Ali, a resident of Bhadra, who fled before police arrived. A case has been registered against him and raids are underway to trace him.
