An elephant from the famous 18-elephant Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad created panic on Friday morning when it suddenly went out of control near Desai Ni Pol in Khadia.
According to RK Sahu, Superintendent of the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, the elephant was the only male among the 18 in the procession. “It got agitated and started running off the main route,” he said.
As per safety rules, a tranquiliser was quickly given, and two female elephants were used to calm and guide the male elephant away from the crowd.
Thankfully, no one was hurt. Although people nearby were frightened, the situation was handled calmly and brought under control.
Officials said the male elephant will be kept separate and won’t return to the procession. The rest of the elephants, all female, are continuing the Rath Yatra route safely.
The Rath Yatra is one of Ahmedabad’s biggest religious festivals and attracts large crowds every year. Authorities make special arrangements for the event, including managing the animals and ensuring public safety.
Inputs from TOI
According to RK Sahu, Superintendent of the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, the elephant was the only male among the 18 in the procession. “It got agitated and started running off the main route,” he said.
VIDEO | Gujarat: Three elephants go out of control during Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 27, 2025
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/HYWt1hC4sX
As per safety rules, a tranquiliser was quickly given, and two female elephants were used to calm and guide the male elephant away from the crowd.
Thankfully, no one was hurt. Although people nearby were frightened, the situation was handled calmly and brought under control.
Officials said the male elephant will be kept separate and won’t return to the procession. The rest of the elephants, all female, are continuing the Rath Yatra route safely.
The Rath Yatra is one of Ahmedabad’s biggest religious festivals and attracts large crowds every year. Authorities make special arrangements for the event, including managing the animals and ensuring public safety.
Inputs from TOI
You may also like
Evening News Wrap: Jaishankar thanks Iranian counterpart for evacuation of Indians; student raped inside Kolkata law college; and more
YouTuber who violently stabbed wife to death filmed himself packing hospital bag for baby
Brits urged not to make this expensive mistake when buying a car
Mikel Arteta forced into four-year Arsenal transfer change after £70m double deal
Glastonbury 2025 secret sets – all the stars rumoured to be surprising festival-goers this weekend
