At least 17 people were injured when an elephant ran amok during the Puthiyangadi 'nercha' at BP Angadi, Tirur, in Malappuram. The incident occurred around 12:30 am on Wednesday.
The elephant, Paakkath Sreekuttan, grabbed a person with its trunk, twisted him, and hurled him into the crowd. The man is in critical condition and receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kottakkal, said sources.
Many of the injuries resulted from the ensuing panic as people stumbled and fell while trying to escape.
The situation was brought under control around 2:15 am when the mahout successfully calmed the elephant, preventing further harm
