A lorry driver was gored to death by an elephant, while the animal's carer was left severely injured, after it broke free and went on a deadly rampage in India. Footage shows the bull elephant, named Mayyanad Parthasarathy, picking up a white car with its trunk and dropping it, then rolling it over multiple times. The elephant, which had a rope connecting its back foot to its body, also pulled up the car's bumper with its tusks.
Incident Details
The rampage occurred on Friday, May 1, when the elephant reportedly gored 40-year-old Vishnu to death and left its main handler Pradeep seriously injured. Lorry driver Vishnu had transported the elephant to the Sree Mahavishnu Temple in Kidangoor, Kerala, southern India, for blessings as part of a Hindu festival. At around 9:15 a.m., the animal became aggressive and attacked Vishnu after freeing itself from chains.
Attack Sequence
According to local police, the elephant lifted Vishnu with its trunk before trampling and goring him. He was killed at the scene. The elephant then charged Pradeep, injuring the primary caretaker as he tried to intervene, necessitating his rush to the hospital. The elephant's rampage, known as going into musth—a natural aggressive state—continued for two hours around the temple grounds and nearby streets. Cars were overturned, scooters flipped, walls were damaged, and tusks were rammed into vehicles.
Subduing the Animal
Forest Department officials subdued the elephant around 12:30 p.m. with tranquilizer darts, and it was later secured near the Hindu temple. The elephant had been brought to the temple as part of traditional festivities involving captive elephants.
Investigation and Response
Local magistrates have launched an official probe into whether safety protocols were breached and if the elephant was fit to be paraded in a crowded public space. The temple committee expressed 'deepest condolences' to the victim's family but has yet to comment on what will happen to the elephant.
Understanding Musth
Musth is a period of heightened reproductive and aggressive behavior in male elephants. It typically lasts between two to three months, although this changes when in captivity, and increases unpredictable behavior. Elephants have been captured in India for thousands of years to be part of festivals. They are considered a cultural icon in India and are revered because they are considered the embodiment of the Hindu god Lord Ganesha, which has an elephant head.
Cultural Context
Due to their reverence, the animals are considered holy. However, their use within festivities has received criticism due to their handling and care. Typically, elephants in India are leased out during festivals. They are decorated with garlands and bells, while the deity's idol is mounted on the animal's back. The elephant, with men sitting atop it, circles the temple three or four times with background music, trumpets, and drumming. Due to their sheer size, controlling the animals can prove challenging, causing injuries and fatalities.
May 1 marks the primary Hindu festival in India of Buddha Purnima, also known as Vaishakha Purnima, which celebrates the birth of Gautama Buddha.
