Three people died and 35 others were severely injured when two elephants went on a rampage during a temple festival in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Forest minister AK Saseendran ordered an urgent report from officials and said further action would be based on the findings, including a probe into possible violations of Kerala’s captive elephant management rules.
Health minister Veena George has also directed special medical arrangements at Koyilandy Taluk Hospital and Kozhikode Medical College, ensuring sufficient expert staff for the injured.
The incident took place at the Manakkulangara Bhagavathy Temple near Koyilandy town in Kozhikode district at 5.30pm on Thursday when one elephant reportedly turned violent and started attacking another.
“People also panicked which resulted in a stampede leading to around 20 persons suffering minor injuries,” an officer of Koyilandy police station said, according to NDTV.
