Thrissur: Residents of Thrissur were shocked on Saturday morning when a captive elephant ran amok in the heart of the city, destroying houses, cars, autorickshaws, and scooters in broad daylight. The elephant, named Sivalakshmi Ayyappan, was brought from Kollam to Thrissur for a festival. It went on a rampage while being bathed.
Panic in the City
Panic gripped the city for more than an hour as people ran for cover. The elephant moved from the Chembukkavu area to the Gandhi Nagar residential area, leaving a trail of destruction across nearly 2.5 kilometers. Some residents only realized the danger when the elephant reached their houses through narrow lanes, breaking gates, throwing off aluminum-sheet roofs, and uprooting trees.
Miraculous Escape
The elephant lifted a car and threw it aside. The driver, Sangeetha, who was in the driving seat, had a miraculous escape as the tusker left without causing further harm. Sangeetha, who works in a private finance institution, said, "I thought everything was over for me. It was a narrow lane, and it was impossible to reverse, even though people were warning me about the elephant. My daughter was just behind my car on a two-wheeler. I couldn't talk for some time even after people helped me out of the car."
Journalists Attacked
Journalists covering the incident alleged that they were attacked by the mahout and some anti-social elements while taking pictures of the rampage. The elephant squad reached the spot but could not dart the elephant as it moved through residential areas. Eventually, the elephant was brought under control and tethered to a pillar. The elephant sustained injuries, with blood flowing from its head and ears.
Demand for Confiscation
Heritage Animal Task Force secretary V K Venkitachalam demanded forest officials confiscate the elephant, which is seriously injured and lacks an authentic owner. District collector Sikha Surendran ordered an inquiry by revenue department officials. The collector also asked the DFO and the ACF in-charge of captive elephants to conduct a probe. The elephant is insured, it is learned.
Minister Visits Spot
Minister O J Janeesh, who was in the city, visited the spot and directed officials to prepare a report on the losses. Steps will be taken to provide compensation to those who suffered losses, he said.
