Mahout killed as elephant runs amok during temple fest in Kongad

A mahout was trampled to death by an elephant that ran amok during a temple festival at Kongad on Tuesday.

The elephant named Kollengode Govindankutty turned aggressive while being led for the Sheeveli ritual at the Thadukkassery Nagankulangara Temple. In the ensuing chaos, the animal broke free and charged towards nearby houses, triggering panic in the area.

Raman, one of the mahouts, was fatally injured as he attempted to restrain the elephant along with other mahouts. He was rushed to a private hospital at Pathiripala near Ottapalam, but succumbed to his injuries on the way.