Succumbs to injuries to the head caused by a collision with a tree.

A bull belonging to Health Minister C. Vijaya Baskar died during a jallikkattu held at Thirunallur village near Illupur in the district on Sunday.

As many as 66 persons sustained injuries during the six-hour-long event, of whom 31 were referred to various government hospitals in Pudukottai and Tiruchi for advanced medical treatment.

Soon after the Minister’s bull, named Komban, hurtled out of the Vaadi Vaasal [entrance to the arena], it rammed a tree, suffering severe injuries to the head.

‘Treated like family’

In the impact of the collision, the animal collapsed on the spot and died, much to the shock of spectators. A veterinary team examined the animal on the spot immediately.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Vijaya Baskar said the incident was unfortunate.

“The bull had taken part in jallikkattu earlier. My family could not digest the death of the animal, which had been cared for as if it were a member of our family,” he said.

Mr. Vijaya Baskar had purchased the bull just before the Pongal festival.

The carcass was buried in a grove belonging to the Minister's family at Illupur in Pudukottai district.

Police sources said a total of 656 bulls from various districts took part in the event, which commenced around 8.50 a.m. and ended at 2.55 p.m. Around 150 tamers participated in the event.

Thirty-five of the injured were treated on the spot by medical teams, while 31 were referred to government hospitals in Illupur, Viralimalai, Pudukottai and Tiruchi.

Police sources said as many as 225 personnel were deployed for the event, which was inaugurated by Collector S. Ganesh.