A man was killed in an attack by an elephant that was brought for a temple festival at Chittattukara in the district on Tuesday. The elephant also attacked its mahout.
The victim, Anandan, 38, from Alappuzha, had been at the festival venue to sell poppadom. The incident occurred around 3.30 p.m. The elephant, Chittilappilly Ganeshan, which was brought for the Painkannikkal temple festival, turned aggressive while its mahout was giving it a bath.
The elephant first hit the mahout with its trunk before charging through the festival grounds, causing chaos as people fled in terror. Anandan, who was physically challenged, was caught in front of the elephant, which struck him by its trunk before goring him.
The mahout was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
The elephant, in a wild frenzy, ran for about eight km from Elavally to Mattam Road, causing panic all the way. It was finally brought under control at Kandanissery.
The situation escalated when the elephant charged through the Choondal-Guruvayur Road, creating havoc. People fled in all directions, and the police had a difficult time controlling the crowd.
Published – February 04, 2025 08:27 pm IST