Three trampled to death by tusker at temple festival

Thrissur, Kerala, Apr 23 (UNI) Three people, including an old woman, were trampled to death and four others injured when an elephant ran amok at the Irrinjalakuda 'Koodalmanikya' temple in this district today.

The tusker, 'Unnikrishnan', was brought to the centuries-old temple as part of the annual festival celebrations. The incident occurred just after the 'kazchashiveli' ritual in the afternoon.

The reason for its sudden provocation was yet to be ascertained.

Kausalya, 75, and a boy, Nithin, from Thrissur district, were among the deceased. The identity of the third deceased was yet to be established.

The injured were admitted to the local taluk hospital.

The tusker ran wild for nearly two hours, and destroyed the 'gopuravathil' and the doors of the 'koothambalam'. It was finally brought under control and chained by its two 'mahouts'.

The Chalakudy Divisional Forest Officer would conduct an inquiry into the incident.

District Collector V K Bedi, who also reached the spot, said any compensation for the victims would be announced only after holding consultations with the Government.

UNI XR ARC GD SW AS1741