Overview
- The attack occurred during the Valiyavilakku festival at Annamanada Mahadeva Temple in Thrissur, where the elephant Akkikkavu Karthikeyan lifted a man with its trunk and threw him to the ground, as seen in widely shared video footage.
- The injured victim, identified as 26-year-old mahout assistant Vivek, was taken to Apollo Adlux Hospital in Angamaly and remains in serious condition.
- Temple rituals were halted, the elephant was confined on the premises, and police managed crowd control while a specialized elephant squad assessed the animal.
- Mahouts brought the elephant under control shortly after the incident, preventing further injuries.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the aggression, with officials indicating that handling and safety procedures at temple festivals will be reviewed.