Thiruvananthapuram: Two people were killed and several injured in separate incidents when elephants went out of control during a temple festival in Angamaly and Irinjalakuda in Kerala on Friday. These incidents spread panic in the area. An elephant suddenly went out of control near Kidangur Mahavishnu Temple in Angamaly. This elephant has been identified as ‘Mayyanad Parthasarathy’, which was brought for the temple festival. According to the information, the elephant was tied near the temple premises in the middle of the festival, when it suddenly became violent. During this time there was a stampede and people started running to save their lives.
The driver of the truck that brought the elephant died
Kollam resident Vishnu, who was the driver of the truck that brought the elephant, died in Angamaly. He was trying to control the elephant when the elephant crushed him, killing him on the spot. Meanwhile, the other mahout Pradeep was injured and was admitted to Little Flower Hospital. His condition is currently said to be out of danger. The uncontrolled elephant also damaged many vehicles parked nearby. In TV footage, the elephant was seen overturning a car several times and completely destroying it and some two-wheelers were also damaged.
The forest department team controlled it with difficulty
It is being told that since the area is densely populated, the officials were afraid that the elephant might enter the residential areas. After this, the Forest Department team and the Elephant Squad together started trying to control it. After about two hours of effort, the veterinarian gave an anesthetic injection to the elephant. Initially the elephant became more furious and also overturned another vehicle, but later gradually calmed down. After this, he was controlled by tying him to trees with the help of ropes and chains. At present the elephant is kept under surveillance in the grounds in front of the temple.
The elephant had taken part in many big festivals
Elephant Task Force member Binu said, ‘We had received information that the elephant has gone out of control and one person has died. We immediately reached the spot. Despite several attempts, the elephant was attacking again and again. Later the doctor made him unconscious, after which he could be controlled. Now the situation is normal. One person said that this elephant has previously participated in big festivals like Thrissur Pooram and is usually calm. It is being told that this person has been associated with that elephant for a long time.
The elephant suddenly became furious and started attacking people.
Elephant killed one in Irinjalakuda too
Meanwhile, another elephant attacked Sri Koodalamanikyam Temple, Irinjalakuda. According to the police, this elephant had become violent a day earlier and was kept tied. On Friday, when the mahout came to give him food, the elephant attacked him. The second (assistant) mahout was killed in this attack, while the chief mahout was injured. Police said that statements are being recorded in this matter and it will also be investigated whether there was any negligence on the part of the temple management (Devaswam).
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