Shivamogga Dasara elephant panics and causes chaos during procession

During the Dasara Jamboo Savari procession in Shivamogga, Karnataka, an elephant named Somanna panicked and ran amok for over an hour, causing significant disruption and damage. The elephant was carrying the Ambari, a heavy decorative platform holding the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, when it became frightened by the crowd.

As the elephant moved erratically through narrow lanes on Kote Road, the Ambari reportedly fell off and was damaged. The animal also rammed into and damaged vehicles, including a car and motorcycles. While no human injuries were reported, a mahout sustained injuries while attempting to pacify the animal.

Forest Department veterinarians eventually tranquilized Somanna to regain control. The elephant was subsequently chained and moved to a secure location at a temple to recover. In response to the incident, Karnataka’s Minister of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Ramalinga Reddy, stated that elephants participating in such ceremonies will be required to undergo at least 20 days of training in the future.