A temple festival in Kerala experienced a sudden disruption when a captive elephant attacked a man during the Valiyavilakku festival at the Annamnada Mahadeva Temple. The event, which attracted numerous devotees, had to be temporarily halted following the incident. The attack happened just as preparations were being made for the traditional Pancharimelam performance, led by prominent percussionist Peruvanam Kuttan Marar.

Injured Man Rushes to Hospital

The individual involved in the incident, identified as 26-year-old Vivek, sustained serious injuries due to the unexpected attack. Immediate medical attention was provided when he was transported to Apollo Adlux Hospital in Angamaly for treatment. Medical reports indicate that his condition remains serious.

Social Media Video Captures Startling Moment

A video that has circulated on social media depicts the moments leading up to the attack. In the footage, the elephant appears to be standing still while preparations for the sheeveli procession are underway. A man was seen attempting to climb onto the elephant’s back, while Vivek held a decorative item nearby. Suddenly, the elephant lunged forward, wrapping its trunk around Vivek’s legs, lifting him off the ground, and subsequently throwing him aside, which led to a frantic response from bystanders.

Immediate Response to the Incident

In light of the incident, temple authorities made the decision to suspend all festival rituals temporarily. The elephant has since been confined within the temple area to mitigate any further risk to individuals present at the festival. Local police arrived at the scene to manage the crowd and ensure public safety. Additionally, a specialized Elephant Squad was deployed to evaluate the animal’s behavior and implement necessary measures for its secure removal from the site.

Concerns Surrounding Captive Elephants in Festivals

This incident has reignited discussions regarding the use of captive elephants during temple festivals in Kerala. Elephants hold deep cultural and traditional significance, often featured prominently in major temple processions accompanied by elaborate rituals and musical performances. Nonetheless, experts in animal behavior have raised alarms about the potential stressors faced by these animals during such events. Factors like loud noises, large crowds, and physical handling can provoke unpredictable reactions from elephants.

Ongoing Investigations into the Incident

As inquiries continue into what specifically provoked the elephant’s aggressive behavior, officials are anticipated to review existing safety measures concerning the handling of elephants during festive occasions. The objective is to address the growing concerns and ensure the safety of both humans and animals in future temple celebrations across the state.

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