Shivamogga Dasara elephant runs amok, 650-kg silver howdah falls during Jamboo Savari

An elephant carrying a 650-kilogram silver howdah ran amok minutes into the Shivamogga Dasara Jamboo Savari procession on Wednesday, dislodging the ceremonial carrier and damaging several vehicles before handlers brought the animal under control.

Local authorities reported no human casualties from the incident, which occurred along Kote Road in Karnataka. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, mounted atop the heavy silver platform, was quickly recovered by municipal staff and removed from danger.

What happened on Kote Road

The lead elephant, named Somanna, had walked roughly 200 metres from the Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple when he abruptly reversed course. Another tusker, Bahaddur, followed close behind, creating immediate alarm among spectators lined up for the annual festival.

As Somanna veered towards a corner, the 650-kg silver howdah slipped and fell to the ground. In the commotion, the agitated animal struck two-wheelers and parked cars along the roadside. Caretakers, police officers, and Shivamogga City Corporation staff moved in swiftly to contain the two animals.

Veterinary officials administered a sedative to stabilise Somanna, who was later taken to recover near the Kote Seetharamanjaneya Temple under veterinary observation.

Elephant roles in the procession

The Shivamogga City Corporation had brought three tuskers from the Sakrebailu elephant camp for Wednesday's Jamboo Savari. Somanna was selected to carry the heavy silver ambari for the first time, taking over the role from an experienced tusker.

Administrative response and resumption

District and municipal officials acted immediately to secure the area and restore public order. Shivamogga Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil and the Divisional Forest Officer remained on site to coordinate crowd safety and animal containment.

Superintendent of Police Nikhil confirmed that the situation was brought under swift control without injuries to the public.

"The elephant carrying the howdah ran backwards, creating chaos and tension. Another elephant also followed. A couple of vehicles were damaged. There were no casualties," Nikhil told reporters.

Following the prompt clearance of the route, the district administration directed that the Dasara procession proceed as scheduled towards Allama Prabhu Park without elephants, ensuring the religious and cultural festivities concluded smoothly.