MADURAI: The excitement and celebratory spirit of Pongal was dampened at the Avaniyapuram jallikattu held on Tuesday in Madurai after a bull tamer was gored to death and many suffered injuries. Naveen Kumar, 22, of Vilangudi suffered severe injuries to his chest after being gored by a bull in the jallikattu arena. Though he was rushed to Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) for treatment, he was declared brought dead, said officials.
Saif Ali Khan Health Update
Family members and relatives of Naveen Kumar refused to receive his body on Wednesday, and held a protest demanding a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and a govt job for a family member. Mourning the death, chief minister M K Stalin announced a compensation of Rs3 lakh to his family from the CM’s public relief fund.
Health officials said 75 people were injured at the first of the three key jallikattu events being held in the district during Pongal. They included 25 bull owners, 34 bull tamers, 14 spectators, and two staff. Of the 75 injured, 30 suffered major injuries while 45 had minor ones. As many as 836 bulls were released in 11 rounds at the jallikattu as bull tamers showcased their skills and bravery. The first prize for the best tamer, a car, was won by Karthik who tamed 19 bulls. Divakar who tamed 15 bulls and secured second place rode home on the motorbike he won. The winning bull owner, Malaiyandi, was awarded a tractor, a cow and calf, while the owner of the second-placed bull, G R Karthik, won a motorbike. Ministers P Moorthy and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan gave away the prizes.
Madurai district collector M S Sangeetha said the bull tamer’s death was an unfortunate accident despite precautionary measures taken and medical teams stationed at the venue. Among the injured, 12 were referred to GRH for treatment. As is mandated, 108 ambulances and medical teams with doctors from GRH were stationed at the venue to provide immediate care.
