Published Oct 21, 2026 | 7:07 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 21, 2026 | 7:12 PM
Somanna, carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, reportedly turned around and ran in the opposite direction.
Shivamogga’s Dasara procession on Wednesday, October 21, witnessed dramatic scenes as an elephant named Somanna, which was carrying the silver Ambari holding the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, became agitated and ran amok, triggering panic among people along the route.
The incident occurred shortly after the procession began from Shivappa Nayaka Palace towards Allama Prabhu Ground around 3:30 pm on Wednesday.
As the procession neared Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Somanna, carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, reportedly turned around and ran in the opposite direction.
Shivamogga City Corporation Commissioner Mayanna Gowda told South First that the incident happened about 10 minutes after the procession began.
As the elephant ran, the 650 kg silver Ambari fell from the top and was damaged. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari also suffered damage, Gowda said.
Somanna reportedly rammed into a parked car, while a two-wheeler was also damaged.
Mahouts, handlers and forest department officials assisted by two other elephants, Sagar and Bahadur, intervened during the incident to bring Somanna under control.
“The situation is under control. No one has been injured in the incident. One car and one two-wheeler were damaged,” Gowda said.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
