Following a tragic incident at a temple festival in Kozhikode district, where two elephants went on a rampage, the Kerala High Court on Friday called for a comprehensive report from the state government. Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S also directed a livestock official from the Guruvayur Devaswom Board to provide detailed documents, including the feeding records of the elephants involved.
The alarming event occurred during a festival at Manakulangara Temple near Koyilandy, resulting in the deaths of three elderly attendees, including two women, and injuries to over 20 others. Reports suggest the elephants became agitated following the loud bursting of crackers, leading to a chaotic scene where the animals attacked each other and caused significant damage, including the collapse of a temple wall.
The court’s intervention came during the hearing of a pending petition by a Canada-based Malayali, who is seeking improved care standards for elephants owned by the Guruvayur Devaswom Board. The petition underscores ongoing concerns about the welfare of elephants used in public festivities and the safety risks posed to both the animals and attendees.
The Forest Department and local police have also been asked to provide their perspectives on the incident, with the matter set for further hearing on February 17. This inquiry aims to address the immediate causes of the rampage and to implement stricter regulations to prevent such dangerous occurrences in the future.
