Elephant runs amok, creates ruckus during Rath Yatra celebration in Ahmedabad

One person was injured on Friday during the Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad when a male elephant, agitated by loud noises, broke a barricade and rushed into a narrow lane, officials said.

According to R.K. Sahu, Superintendent of Kankaria Zoo, the incident occurred when the procession reached the Khadia Gate area. The male elephant, reportedly disturbed by loud music and whistles, veered off the designated route. Mahouts riding two female elephants followed the animal and managed to bring it under control, allowing the procession to continue smoothly.

“One bystander was injured after an elephant got disturbed and entered a narrow lane in the Khadia area. The injured person has been shifted to a nearby hospital. The procession is going ahead as scheduled,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Control Room), Komal Vyas to PTI.

The 148th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began on Friday morning from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple, with thousands of devotees in attendance. The 16-kilometre-long procession traditionally includes 17 elephants, 100 decorated trucks, and 30 akhadas (local gymnasiums), and is expected to return by 8 pm.

Sahu, who oversees the health and fitness certification of all elephants used in the event, confirmed that the male elephant was the only one among the 17. In a video circulating online, the elephant is seen breaking a barricade and running into a crowd before entering a narrow alley.

“The elephant was quickly brought under control without the use of a tranquiliser. The male and the two female elephants involved were then tied at the same location and will no longer take part in the procession,” said Sahu.

He added that teams from Kankaria Zoo, the forest department, and veterinary doctors are on high alert. “Three teams have been deployed on the route with tranquilising guns,” he said.