At least 17 people were injured, one critically, when an elephant went on a rampage during the Puthiyangadi festival at the Puthiyangadi Mosque in Tirur, Kerala’s Malappuram district. The incident occurred late last night, sending shockwaves through the community.
The annual festival, which had drawn a large crowd of spectators, featured several elephants adorned with golden plates. As the festivities were underway, people gathered around the elephants, attempting to film the animals and capture the vibrant scene. However, the situation took a dangerous turn when one of the elephants, named Pakkathu Sreekuttan, became agitated.
In disturbing footage from the scene, the elephant can be seen charging into the crowd, with the mahout desperately trying to regain control. The elephant then lifted a man into the air and swung him violently before flinging him away. The injured man was immediately rushed to a hospital in Kotakkal, where his condition was reported to be critical.
The chaos in the crowd led to a stampede-like situation, further exacerbating the number of injuries. People panicked as they tried to flee the scene, adding to the confusion. Authorities and festival organizers quickly mobilized to control the situation.
It took nearly two hours for the elephant to be subdued and brought under control. In an effort to prevent further harm, the elephant was tethered near a mast, and steps were taken to ensure the safety of the remaining festival-goers.
Reports indicate that the majority of the injuries were caused by the panic-induced stampede, rather than direct attacks from the elephant. While some men attempted to control the elephant with chains, the situation remained tense until the animal was finally secured.
As of now, authorities are investigating the incident and looking into the circumstances that led to the elephant’s aggressive behavior. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of such festivals and the management of elephants during public events. Local authorities have assured that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sources By Agencies
