Rath Yatra elephant runs amok; Viral video shows chaos on Ahmedabad street | WATCH

A momentary scare rippled through onlookers at the Rath Yatra celebrations near Desai Ni Pol in Khadia, Ahemdabad on Friday morning, as a male elephant from the procession unexpectedly went out of control. The incident, involving the sole male among 18 elephants participating in the revered event, saw the animal deviate from the designated route.

A dramatic video captured the moment chaos erupted, showing panicked crowds scattering as a male elephant briefly went out of control. The footage vividly portrays the unfolding scene where one of the 18 elephants in the procession is seen charging directly toward onlookers. Mahouts are visible struggling to regain command as devotees and bystanders quickly flee through the narrow lanes to escape the agitated animal.

According to RK Sahu, Superintendent of the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, the elephant suddenly became agitated and began running. "Following protocol, the elephant was immediately given a tranquiliser injection," Sahu stated.

He added that two female elephants were then used to "gently herd him away from the crowd, in line with our standard safety strategy."

Authorities quickly brought the momentarily alarmed crowd under control, and fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident.

Officials have confirmed that the male elephant has been isolated and will not rejoin the ongoing Rath Yatra procession. The remaining 17 elephants, all female, have since continued along the route without any further incidents.

The Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad is one of the city's most significant religious events, attracting massive crowds annually. Elaborate arrangements are routinely put in place to manage both the large number of devotees and the various procession participants, including the decorated elephants and chariots.