Sankranti cockfights: 19 held in Anakapalli raids

Cockfighting and gambling were reported in several interior pockets of Anakapalli district during Sankranti, despite the ban and repeated police awareness campaigns.

Sources said mandals such as Parawada, Atchutapuram, Kasimkota, Yelamanchili, and Anakapalli Rural witnessed the illegal activity, along with a few other areas. However, unlike the Godavari districts, where high-stakes betting is common, Anakapalli did not see large-scale wagering. Locals said most of the betting here was on a smaller scale, with relatively low amounts.

In the run-up to the festival, police teams held awareness programs in villages, warning residents of the legal consequences of organizing or participating in banned sports. Special teams were also deployed to conduct continuous raids in interior villages.

On January 14, 2026, Anakapalli Rural police raided several villages and took nine persons into custody for organising cockfights. In follow-up action on January 15 and 16, teams from Parawada and Atchutapuram registered multiple cases and detained around 10 more persons for similar offences.Police said surveillance and enforcement would continue even after the festive season.