Kambala Samithi to move High Court against AWBI

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 06, 2015:  The  District Kambala Samithi comprising Kambala organisers from DK, Udupi and Kasargod districts have  resolved to move the High Court against  Animal Welfare Board of India inspectors for filing  complaints with regard to the recently held Kambalas in the district.

It may be recalled there that the AWBI inspects had filed 65 non-cognizable offences and one FIR on a cognizable offence during the Kambalas held at Mulky, Suratkal and Baradi. According to the Board, there had been  violation of Supreme Court guidelines during the Kambala as well as  violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960,  Transport of Animals Rules 1978 and Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001 among others.

The AWBI inspectors had also claimed that they had found  several buffaloes with  thick ropes  in their nose causing them great pain. The animals were also subject to cruelty, they had said in the complaints.

However, the Kambala Samithi had something else to say. According to Bhasker Kotian, President of the Samithi, the whip was used during the Kambala merely for symbolic purpose and added that   jockeys too  are now averse to whipping as they are likely to be banned from Kambala if they whip the animals.

He even alleged that the Board was hell bent upon banning Kambala.