Panic gripped Thrissur city on Saturday morning (May 23, 2026) after a captive elephant, Sivam Lakshmi Ayyappan, turned violent and ran amok through several busy and residential areas, causing widespread damage.
The incident occurred near the Paramekkavu temple while the elephant was being bathed. According to eyewitnesses, the agitated elephant broke control, and ran onto Palace Road, sending pedestrians and motorists fleeing.
The elephant moved through key locations including the Town Hall area, North Bus Stand, and Chembukkavu, before entering residential localities in Chembukkavu and Cherur. During the rampage, several two-wheelers and cars were damaged. Compound walls were knocked down, and in multiple instances, the elephant entered house premises, damaging tin roofs, uprooting trees, and destroying vehicles parked within compounds.
Woman in overturned car escapes unhurt
A woman who was trapped inside one of the cars that was attacked by the elephant had a miraculous escape. The car was overturned by the elephant. However, Sangeetha was later taken out unhurt by the local people after the elephant left the scene.
Residents in the affected areas were left terrified as the elephant charged through narrow roads and residential compounds.
The elephant also sustained multiple injuries during the rampage.
Elephant subdued
The elephant squad reached the spot and initiated efforts to bring the situation under control. The animal, which began running around 9 a.m., was finally subdued by around 10.30 a.m., after nearly an hour of tense operations.
No casualties have been reported so far, but the incident has left significant property damage and raised concerns over the safety measures in handling captive elephants in urban areas.
Meanwhile, news photographers, who were taking photos of the elephant rampage, were attacked by some people, prompting a protest.
Published – May 23, 2026 11:50 am IST
