Kepu Cockfighting Case: 27 Booked, Including Former MLA and BJP District President

Kepu Cockfighting Case: 27 Booked, Including Former MLA and BJP District President

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, Dec 21, 2025: Vittal police on Sunday booked 27 persons, including a former MLA and the BJP district president, after raiding an illegal cockfighting event at Kepu village in Bantwal taluk. This is the second such incident reported from the same location in two days.

Acting on a tip-off, police raided Babthu field, owned by Muralidhara Rai, and found a large gathering engaged in cockfighting. Police said the crowd refused to disperse despite being informed about the legal ban.

Former MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor, BJP district president Sathish Kumpala, and others were allegedly present and instigated the gathering to continue the illegal activity.

Police took 20 persons into custody and seized 20 roosters and knives used for cockfighting. A case has been registered at Vittal Police Station under Crime No. 191/2025, invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Further investigation is under way. Police said repeated incidents in Kepu have led to increased surveillance in the area and warned of strict action against those involved in cockfighting.

On Saturday police raided the cockfighting event at same place and booked Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai and 16 other persons.