Angamaly/Irinjalakuda: Two separate elephant rampage incidents at temple festival sites in Kerala on Friday left at least two people dead and several others injured, officials said, triggering renewed concern over the use of captive elephants in religious events.

In the first incident at Sree Mahavishnu Temple in Kidangoor, Angamaly, a captive elephant turned violent while being taken for routine bathing and watering after festival duties. Police said the animal broke free from control, damaging vehicles on the temple premises and causing panic.

It overturned a car multiple times, completely destroying it, and also damaged a few two-wheelers.

Handlers and assistants tried to restrain the elephant, but the situation quickly escalated. At least two people were injured in the attack, including the mahout, who remains in serious condition. The lorry driver who transported the elephant was trampled to death during efforts to control the animal.

Authorities said the elephant remained agitated for some time and stayed near the victim’s body, hampering rescue operations and triggering panic among local residents.

A Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Forest Department was deployed at the site, and a veterinarian later tranquilised the elephant. Further monitoring is underway to ensure the animal remains under control.

In the second incident the same day in Thrissur district, another captive elephant named Vazhavady Kasinathan turned aggressive during festivities at the Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda, killing a mahout and injuring another.

Reports said the elephant had shown signs of agitation during a ritual procession on Thursday night and was moved to a temporary enclosure. However, on Friday afternoon, it broke through a makeshift shed and attacked handlers.

The second mahout, identified as 25-year-old Sreekuttan, died after being trampled on the chest. Another mahout, Amal (28), sustained injuries and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Irinjalakuda.

 

With PTI inputs