Elephant causes chaos and injures handler in Varanasi, India

An elephant named Dhanraj caused widespread panic and destruction in the Ramnagar region near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, October 18. The incident began around 10:30 a.m. at the Panchvati grounds during preparations for the Ramlila, a traditional Hindu festival.

The animal reportedly attacked its handler, identified as Chaplu, by lifting him with its trunk and throwing him to the ground. The handler sustained serious injuries and was transported to the Banaras Hindu University trauma center for specialized medical care.

Following the attack, the elephant escaped into the streets, where it spent approximately 13 hours causing significant damage. Witnesses reported the animal uprooting large trees, destroying storefronts, and knocking down utility poles, which resulted in power outages across several sectors.

Authorities responded by closing local roads and deploying over 200 police and administrative officers to secure the area. A team of specialists from the Gorakhpur Zoo, led by chief veterinarian Yogesh Pratap Singh, was called in with tranquilizers and medical equipment. The elephant was eventually subdued and moved to a forested area.