KOCHI: At least one person was killed after a captive elephant brought to a temple at Kidangoor in Angamaly turned violent on Friday, attacking and injuring several people, police said.
Elephant Attacks Vehicles Near Temple
According to news agency PTI, visuals aired on TV channels showed the jumbo attacking vehicles parked near the temple. The elephant reportedly flipped a car several times, completely destroying it, and also damaged several two-wheelers parked nearby.
Forest Department Responds
An Elephant Squad of the Forest Department tried to bring the animal under control before it could move out of the temple premises into a more populated area, police said.
An officer from the Angamaly police station said a lorry driver was killed in the attack, while the elephant's main mahout was seriously injured.
"The elephant continues to be violent and the Elephant Squad is trying to capture it. Besides that, a veterinarian is also here to tranquilize the jumbo, if required," he said.
The incident has raised concerns about the use of captive elephants in religious festivals and the safety measures in place.
