Record Win at Andhra Sankranti Cockfight: Man Bags Rs 1.53 Crore Bet

Amaravati: A big bet at a traditional cockfight in Andhra Pradesh turned into a life-changing win for one man this Sankranti. The man, identified as Rajahmundry Ramesh, walked away with a reported Rs 1.53 crore after his rooster beat a rival in Tadepalligudem town on Thursday. 

The event drew excited crowds and quickly became the talk of the festival.

Who Was Involved?

Ramesh and fellow punter Gudivada Prabhakar had placed the massive wager on their prized roosters. Ramesh’s rooster emerged victorious, triggering cheers from friends and onlookers. In a video circulating locally, Ramesh can be seen celebrating his unexpected windfall with his supporters. 

Why Is It Significant?

This Rs 1.53 crore bet is believed to be one of the largest ever recorded during the Sankranti cockfighting season in the region. The festival, marked by its harvest celebrations, often brings such rooster fights, locally known as kodi pandem, into the spotlight.

Isn’t Cockfighting Banned?

Cockfighting and gambling have been prohibited under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act. Despite this, large gatherings with high stakes have continued in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh this week, especially in districts like West Godavari, East Godavari and Krishna. 

Officials had warned against illegal betting and fights, and the Andhra Pradesh High Court recently reiterated that authorities must enforce the ban. Still, many locals and politicians treat these events as a deep-rooted part of Sankranti festivities.

Are These Events Still Happening?

Even with legal restrictions, cockfights and related betting have been reported across several districts this Sankranti. Temporary arenas, floodlights and large crowds have turned these events into festival hubs, with many people arriving from nearby states to watch or place bets. 

How Do Supporters Justify This?

Some organisers claim these cockfights are cultural traditions tied to Sankranti and insist there is no betting involved, a justification that clashes with the clear legal status of the activity.