Chennai, Jan 16: The bull-taming fest of Jallikattu began on a cautious note this year as four deaths were reported within a span of two days. After the unfortunate demise of a 19-year-old youth in Madurai, who was gored by a raging bull, three more deaths were reported on Tuesday.

While two casualties were recorded today at the Jallikattu event in Sivaganga, another was reported to be killed in Tiruchirappalli. The deceased at Sivaganga were identified as Ramanathan (45) from Karaikudi and Kashi (44) from Pudukottai.

Despite the casualties, Jallikattu is being celebrated with fanfare across the state, with the office-bearers of the ruling AIADMK being at the forefront of organising the major events.

"It was our EPS' (E Palaniswami's) efforts as Chief Minister last year that made it possible to host Jallikattu," said Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar, crediting his government for legalising the traditional sport, after it was outlawed by the Supreme Court in 2014.

The government, facing massive protest across the state over the ban on Jallikattu last year, had passed a special legislation which amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act (1960), designating bull as an exception.

Although the law was challenged by the animal rights' NGO Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), the top court refrained from staying the legislation.

Under the new Jallikattu rules, the organisers are making the participants undertake the no-cruelty oath. The participants could face disqualification if they cling on to the bull's horns or use weapons to tame it.

The use of intoxicated bulls have also been outlawed, with the administration maintaining a strict vigil. "Veterinarians let only bulls that are fit and free from signs of cruelty and intoxication (to participate)," Madurai Collector Veera Raghava Rao was reported as saying.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 16, 2018 07:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).