Palakkad: An elephant ran amok during a Sri Krishna Jayanti procession in Kunnathurmedu on Sunday morning, forcing a tense two-hour operation to bring it under control.

The elephant, identified as Cherpulassery Manikandan, strayed into the compound of a private residence along the roadside around 10.30 am. Priests and handlers attempted to pacify the animal, but it initially refused to calm down.

Three people riding the elephant were safely brought down, and after two hours, the animal was restrained.

Nine elephants took part in the procession. Authorities confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.