2 killed in bullfighting events in India

Two people were killed in two consecutive days in bullfighting in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, local media reported on Saturday, reported Xinhua.

On Saturday morning, a 27-year-old bull owner was gored to death at Periya Suriyur in the state's Tiruchi district.

"The man, identified as Meenakshisundaram from Srirangam, was guiding his bull to the entrance of the closure to be released, when the animal went out of control and gored him to death. The man was rushed to the Tiruchi Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, but was declared brought dead," the local media quoted local health officials as saying.

On Friday, a 19-year-old spectator was gored to death by a bull and at least 80 participants were injured at the event in the state's Madurai district.

"The spectator, 19-year-old D Balamurugan of Avaniapuram, was gored to death near the bull collection point. He was brought dead to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital," another media report said.

bullfighting is traditionally practised as part of harvest festival. It involves men chasing bull attempting to grab its hump and ride it for as long as possible or stop it and remove piece of cloth affixed to its horns.

Over the years, many people have been gored or trampled to death in the sport. Even bulls suffer injures and sometimes get killed in such contests. Bullfighting is seen as a symbol of Tamil culture and pride.

The sport was banned by the Supreme Court of India in 2014 after animal rights activists seeking prevention of cruelty to animals said bulls in the sport were "severely harmed".

In 2017, the local government in Tamil Nadu passed a law to revive the controversial sporting event, after the state witnessed massive protests seeking lifting of ban on the sport.