KAKINADA/BHIMAVARAM: Cockfight organisers, this time around, are changing or arranging grounds for conducting the blood sport, according to Vaastu Sashtra rules. Never mind the High Court strictures placed on the cruel sport

In fact, many MLAs and MPs in East and West Godavari districts, keen on cockfights, which they perceive as a traditional game, are the rule breakers.

Under their patronisation, betting is expected to increase and along with that, the number of fighting pits. Estimates say, the total amount in betting is set to cross Rs 100 crore this year.

According to organisers, as many as 10 new grounds are being prepared for conducting the cockfights. The number of major venues may go up to 25 in West Godavari district and 10 in East Godavari district.

Keeping in mind previous experience, organisers are changing their old grounds in accordance with Vaastu principles for the benefit of gamblers.

It is learnt that three new grounds in Vempa, Vemuladevi and some other places in Narasapuram constituency, Achanta, Penugonda and Penumantra in Yalamanchili, I. Bhimavaram, Juvvalapalem, Bhimavaram in Vundiand Bhimavaram constituencies are being prepared this year.

Earlier, Juvvalapalem was the biggest ground for cockfights. But, it has not been maintained properly over the past couple of years. Cockfights usually are conducted on Sankranti.