Thrissur: An elephant named Shivalakshmi Ayyappan, which ran amok in Thrissur city on Friday, was brought under control by the elephant squad after hours of effort.

The elephant bolted from the Town Hall premises and rampaged through the area damaging a nearby car and an auto-rickshaw were. According to the mahout, the elephant got frightened after seeing a dog and started running.

The elephant damaged an auto-rickshaw and a car in the area. Gates of several houses were also destroyed. The elephant is reportedly moving towards the Chembukkavu region. Panic-stricken passengers abandoned their vehicles and ran for safety.

Seven vehicles have been damaged, and around ten houses have also suffered damages. 

Officials, including members of the elephant squad, have been called in to bring the animal under control.  It is still unclear why the elephant had been brought to the area.