Pigeon Racing Scam Exposed: Wings Clipped, Trained Cruelly, Jackpot Bets Up to ₹6 Lakh

Jaipur: The sight of pigeons soaring high in the sky often brings peace and calm, but behind this serene image lies a dark world where millions of rupees are being wagered on the birds. Jaipur’s Vidyadhar Puri police recently busted a major pigeon betting racket, exposing the cruel treatment of these feathered creatures.

42 Pigeons Confined in Cartons
Police rescued 42 pigeons packed into two cartons and arrested three men from Makrana—Sarfaraz Khan, Mohammad Junaid, and Mohammad Sonu—who were transporting the birds. The pigeons, of the “Blue Rock” variety, were being taken from Tonk to Makrana. While it initially appeared to be bird trafficking, investigations revealed a story as gripping as a thriller.

Clipped Wings and 30–60 Days of Brutal Training
The pigeons were subjected to 30–60 days of harsh training to turn them into “kings of the sky.” Initially, their wings were clipped to prevent escape. Over the next 4–8 weeks, the birds were conditioned to obey their owner’s voice and a special whistle. They were kept in restricted spaces and fed a specific diet. Finally, they were released in flocks to test which pigeon could fly the highest and stay airborne the longest.

A Single Flight, ₹6 Lakh Jackpot
This activity is far from a harmless hobby; it is a lucrative betting game. Reports indicate that in a single race, around 30 pigeons compete, with each owner placing bets starting from ₹20,000. The winning pigeon’s owner can take home a prize of up to ₹6 lakh in a single race. The pigeons are tagged with rings or slips identifying their owners, and bettors monitor the birds’ flight using binoculars to track height and direction.

Active Betting Zones in Jaipur
In Jaipur, areas like Azad Nagar, Ghatgate, Adarsh Nagar, Ramganj, Eidgah, and Delhi Road have become hotspots for this illegal activity. Rooftop pigeon flights have evolved from a traditional pastime into a betting tool. Police are now searching for the main operators of this syndicate to put an end to the cruel exploitation of these voiceless birds.