Bullfighting, known locally as dhirio, was banned in Goa in 1997 after the Bombay High Court ruled it illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Still, the sport continues secretly in some areas. This has led some legislators to demand that it be legalised, arguing it is part of Goan tradition. Fights are organised suddenly, with the venue fixed at the last minute. Large crowds gather, but there are no safety measures in place. People surround the bulls from all sides, leaving no escape route. When a bull grows tired and can no longer fight, it tries to run. But with no way out, it charges into the crowd. This often leads to serious injuries, and sometimes deaths.
A recent incident in Majorda highlighted the danger. A fight between two bulls, Chando and Godfather, ended in tragedy when the victim, Rajesh Nagesh Nistani of Amblimol-Guirdolim, lost his life, and three others were injured. Betting is also common at these fights, with winnings sometimes crossing several lakhs. Because of the sport’s popularity, some argue there should be a special ground built with proper safety arrangements. Others insist the government must enforce the ban more strictly. Either way, the Goa government is under pressure to act, so that such accidents do not happen again.
