A woman was seriously injured after an elephant went berserk during the Nemmara-Vallanghi temple festival in Nemmara here on Saturday. The incident occurred during the day’s procession.
The elephant, Vailassery Arjunan of Nemmara desom, became unmanageable while being led to the temple as part of a ceremonial procession. Panic spread among the crowd, causing them to run for safety. Several people, including women and children, fell and sustained minor injuries in the chaos.
After half an hour, the elephant was brought under control and subsequently withdrawn from the procession. The procession continued and three more elephants completed the ceremonial rites.
Thousands of people from across the state gather to witness the festival, popularly known as Nemmara-Vallanghi Vela.
Desired action
In a complaint to the forest department, the Wildlife Protection and Conservation Society (WPCS) has demanded action against the festival organisers, mahouts and those who provided health to the elephant.
WPCS director S. Guruvayurappan said several norms laid down for procession of elephants during temple processions were violated. He said the minimum distance between the elephant and the crowds was not maintained and the mahouts were suspected of being cruel to the elephant.
Published – 04 Apr 2026 20:19 IST
