Malkangiri: Miscreants Thursday evening killed two persons of Venkatpolam village under Kalimela police limits in this district by slitting their throats reportedly over a cockfight.
The deceased, who were returning after winning a game, have been identified as Enket Rao and Laxmi Kurami. The bodies were recovered from the same place but Enket’s head was severed. A cock tied to a moped was seen at the murder scene, according to sources.
Three persons, including Entet and Laxmi, have been killed in the last one week over the bloody sport, it was learnt.
Bhagaban Durua of Masaguda village in Chalanguda panchayat under Sadar block was brutally killed November 9 when he was returning home after taking part in a game of cockfight. Four persons intercepted Bhagaban and killed him near a forest close to the village. Police registered a case against the accused.
According to reports, cockfight is prevalent in most parts of the tribal-dominated district.
Laxmi and Enket had gone to a weekly market in Kalimela to be part of a cockfight game, but didn’t return home.
On being alerted by a cowboy, the families of the duo went to the spot and identified the bodies.
An investigation into these cases was on, said Malkangiri SP Jagamohan Meena.
It is learnt that brokers from various parts of the district visit tribal villages during harvesting season and conduct cockfights. They also encourage the tribals to consume liquor and take part in gambling.
While the District Sarpanch Sangh members claim that they strongly oppose this bloody sport and don’t allow it in villages, conscious citizens raise questions about the reason behind rampant cockfighting in various parts of the district.
More heads would roll over the game if the administration fails to take immediate measure to curb the menace, they said. PNN
