Arattupuzha: Many people got injured as an elephant ran amok during the ‘Upacharam Chollal,' the concluding ceremony of the Tharakkal temple festival at Thrissur on Friday night.

The incident occurred around 10:30 pm when Guruvayur Ravikrishnan, the elephant parading for the ‘Ammathiruvady’ deity of Urakam, suddenly went berserk, causing panic at the festival venue. The elephant's mahout, Sreekumar (53), narrowly escaped three attempts by the animal to attack him. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to a private hospital at Koorkenchery.

The rampaging elephant also targeted Puthuppally Arjunan, another elephant brought for the deity of Arattupuzha. Subsequently, both elephants charged at each other, leaving festival attendees on edge.

Individuals carried by the elephants were thrown to the ground and sustained injuries. Many others attempting to flee from the scene also fell and were injured.

The injured elephant, Arjunan, ran approximately 1km. The elephants were later restrained by the elephant squad.