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Elephant Attacks Handler During Ramlila Preparations
18 Oct
Summary
- An elephant attacked its mahout on Sunday during Ramlila preparations.
- The injured mahout's condition is serious after being slammed multiple times.
- A rescue team from Gorakhpur Zoo was dispatched to capture the elephant.
An elephant participating in the world-renowned Ramnagar Ramlila in Varanasi turned violent on Sunday, attacking and seriously injuring its mahout. The incident occurred at the Panchvati Ramlila ground during preparations for the traditional procession. The elephant reportedly lifted and slammed its handler to the ground multiple times before fleeing.
Following the attack, panic spread, and authorities quickly barricaded the area, restricting movement within a 2-km radius. The injured mahout received initial treatment at a local hospital before being transferred to BHU Trauma Centre, where his condition remains serious. The forest department and a specialized four-member rescue team from Gorakhpur Zoo, equipped with tranquilizer guns, were called to capture the elusive animal.
This is not the first time an elephant has caused concern during the Ramlila preparations. On September 29, another elephant, Dhanraj, became distressed and spent hours in a pond due to a delay in feeding. These elephants are brought annually from Azamgarh for the event.
