The Shivamogga Dasara procession was halted on Wednesday after a tusker carrying the silver howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari bolted through crowded city streets, triggering panic and leaving six gold bangles missing. No one was injured, although some vehicles were damaged, police said.
The incident occurred after 35-year-old elephant Somanna, brought from the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp as a last-minute replacement, became agitated in the Gandhi Bazaar area. The regular lead elephant, Sagar, had suffered a leg injury and was therefore unavailable for the procession.
Somanna was carrying the silver howdah for the first time when sudden loud noises and the presence of large crowds unsettled him. The procession had begun around 2.30pm after Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa offered floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
As the elephant ran, the ornate silver howdah slipped from his back and crashed to the ground. The movement caused panic among spectators, while police personnel and forest department officials worked to clear the area and prevent people from approaching the animal.
Veterinary officers Dr Anand and Dr Muruli Manohar administered a sedative as officials attempted to bring Somanna under control. The elephants Sagar and Bahadur were also used to assist in the effort. Somanna eventually moved into an alley near the Kote Seetharamanjaneya Temple, where he was chained.
Authorities brought the situation under control after about 30 minutes and halted the remaining procession in line with safety procedures. The episode highlighted the operational risks involved when a replacement elephant is introduced into a large public procession at short notice, although officials did not announce any change to the event’s broader safety protocols.
The silver howdah, also referred to as the ambari, was damaged during the incident. Eight gold bangles had adorned the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, but only two were recovered after the commotion. The remaining six bangles were reported missing by officers.
Shivamogga Superintendent of Police B N Nikhil said the missing bangles and the circumstances surrounding the incident would be investigated. Police and forest officials continued to secure the area after Somanna was restrained, while the procession was not resumed after the disruption.
