CPI(M) seeks action against those responsible for ‘attack’ on Dalits in cockfight arena

The State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Andhra Pradesh strongly condemned the alleged attack on Dalits at a cockfighting arena in Uppuluru village of Kankipadu Mandal in Krishna district and demanded strict action against those responsible for the act.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, CPI(M) state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao alleged that Dalit workers were stripped naked, tied with ropes and subjected to inhuman torture by the organizers of an illegal cockfight. The party demanded strict action not only against those carrying out the illegal cockfights but also against officials who allegedly allowed the conduct of such events. The party further called on the government to provide protection to the victims and ensure adequate compensation for the physical and mental trauma they suffered.

CPI(M) State Secretariat member Y. Venkateswara Rao, Krishna District Secretary Y. Narasimha Rao and State Committee members A. Malyadri and M. Haribabu visited the village and met the victims to express their solidarity.

Mr Srinivasa Rao said the incident took place on January 15 during the Sankranti festivities when the organizers allegedly brought 11 Dalit laborers from Thotlavalluru for labor in the cockfight arena. After a dispute over bills, the workers were falsely accused of theft and brutally attacked, he claimed, describing the filming of the torture as evidence of the perpetrators’ brutality.

The CPI(M) leader accused the government of not implementing the Supreme Court orders banning cockfights and alleged that such events were taking place openly across the state with political support. He claimed that in some locations even public representatives and ministers were present to encourage the illegal activities.

He demanded criminal cases against all organizers and public representatives involved and urged people to protest strongly against such atrocities. He said the party reiterated that lawlessness and caste violence would not be tolerated.