Authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, and all the injured are under observation.
Published May 07, 2025 | 10:21 AM ⚊ Updated May 07, 2025 | 10:21 AM
Elephant runs amok at Thrissur Pooram procession. (Supplied)
Synopsis: An elephant ran amok during Thrissur Pooram on 7 May, injuring 42 people and triggering panic. Quick action by the elephant squad prevented major harm. Revenue Minister K Rajan oversaw the response. The iconic festival, rooted in 18th-century tradition, continues under tight security this year, with drone surveillance and strict monitoring following recent national security concerns.
Tension gripped the Thrissur Pooram procession during the wee hours of Wednesday, 7 May, after an elephant ran amok, triggering panic among the crowd.
The elephant, identified as Ootoli Raman, went wild while moving from Swaraj Round to MG Road, causing a stampede-like situation.
The rapid intervention of the elephant squad brought the animal under control before further damage could occur.
Revenue Minister K Rajan, who was present at the Pooram Control Room, closely monitored the situation and coordinated the response efforts.
According to official reports, 42 people sustained injuries in the ensuing commotion. Four of the injured have been admitted to Thrissur Medical College, while 38 others are being treated at the Thrissur District Hospital.
Authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, and all the injured are under observation.
Conceived in the 18th century by Sakthan Thampuran, the then ruler of Cochin, the festival was designed to bring together competing temples in a singular expression of unity and inclusivity.
That vision continues today under the stewardship of the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms, whose coordination brings lakhs of devotees to the heart of Thrissur each year for a display of spiritual and cultural splendour.
Caparisoned elephants line up beneath vibrant parasols, traditional percussion ensembles electrify the crowds, and the skies are lit until dawn with fireworks – a spectacle that has come to symbolise Kerala’s collective cultural pride.
To oversee this year’s arrangements, District Collector Arjun Pandian and City Police Commissioner R Ilango visited the Thekkinkadu Maidanam on 2 May.
Security arrangements include drone surveillance, verification of access passes, and heightened vigilance in view of recent incidents such as the Pahalgam attack.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
