Kochi: A popular annual festival at a mosque in Kerala’s Malappuram district turned chaotic after one of the decorated elephants went berserk.
The elephant named Pakkathu Sreekuttan, seemingly agitated by the bustling atmosphere at the annual offering ceremony at BP Angadi mosque in Tirur, went on a rampage. The elephant lifted a man with its trunk and hurled him to the ground.
The man, who sustained severe injuries, was taken to a local hospital where he is undergoing treatment.
As the elephant continued its erratic movements, the crowd panicked and looked to move out of the danger zone. A stampede-like situation ensued in which 24 people suffered injuries.
The incident took place around 1 am during late-night proceedings of the traditional event, which draws large crowds.
ANI shared a video on X showing the chaotic scenes.
#WATCH | Malappuram, Kerala: Many people were injured when an elephant turned violent during Puthiyangadi annual ‘nercha’ at BP Angadi, Tirur
(Source: Taluk Disaster Response Force) pic.twitter.com/jlm7tCGTxf
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025
According to a report in Manorama, the injured man is critical. The mahout managed to calm the animal by 2.15 am.
Local authorities and wildlife experts are probing the circumstances that led to the elephant’s wild behaviour to ensure better safety measures in the future.