Keonjhar: Police in the district have moved to put to an end the blood sport of cockfighting, which is rampant here.

Despite legal embargo on such activities, betting and gambling on cockfighting is a popular pastime in all 13 blocks of this tribal-dominated district.

The cops have initiated steps by raiding a dozen locations to stop cockfighting since last week.

"We stopped the game, but did not make any arrests as those who took part in it claimed to be unaware of the fact that it was unlawful," said sub-divisional police officer Sriharsha Mishra.

"Under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act, cockfighting is banned and we are taking steps to prevent the blood sport," he said.

The cops have also decided to conduct awareness meetings in villages to sensitise people about the illegality of the sport.

In almost all villages of Champua, Ghasipura, Ghatgaon, Harichandanpur, Hatadihi, Jhumpura, Joda, Keonjhar, Patna, Saharpada and Telkoi blocks, the fight is a popular pastime and an old tradition.

Rights activists alleged that law-enforcing agencies had turned a blind eye to the unlawful activity.

An elected member of the Uppardiha gram panchayat also admitted that gambling on the sport has become a regular occurrence. "It has become a customary practice. People enjoy the fight and it has become a form of rural entertainment. Some villagers also put bets on the cocks. But it is a favourite pastime for all," Jatikrushna Behera, the elected representative said.

"We find nothing wrong in it. The game has been in vogue for generations and people of all ages love it. Putting small sums as bet has become a practice to add to the intensity of the game. People enjoy it because stakes are involved," he said.

"The betting is, however, symbolic. The sum is always low."