Kochi, 01 May (H.S.): A temple festival turned tragic in Angamaly,Kerala after a captive elephant ran amok at Kidangoor, killing one person and leaving another seriously injured. The elephant, identified as Mayanad Parthasarathy, had been brought for a nearby temple festival and went out of control while being taken for routine care.

The deceased has been identified as Vishnu, a native of Pathanamthitta, who was driving the truck that transported the elephant. He was trampled to death while attempting to help restrain the animal after it turned aggressive. The second mahout, Pradeep, a native of Puthenpurakkal in Kollam, sustained serious injuries in the incident and has been admitted to Little Flower Hospital in Angamaly. His condition is reported to be critical.

The incident occurred on the premises of the Kidangoor Sree Mahavishnu Temple. According to eyewitnesses, the elephant became agitated while being taken for a bath and water, a routine practice during festival periods. As handlers tried to control it, the animal broke free, triggering panic in the area.

In the ensuing chaos, the elephant went on a rampage for several hours, damaging multiple vehicles including cars, a pickup van, and a scooter. Local residents and devotees fled the scene in fear as authorities struggled to bring the situation under control.

A Rapid Response Team (RRT) from Malayattoor was rushed to the spot. After hours of effort, officials managed to tranquilise the elephant and bring it under control.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety measures in place during temple festivals involving captive elephants in Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman