Gujarat Rath Yatra: Three elephants went out of control amid huge crowd

The Rath Yatra is carried out every year with great reverence and gaiety, in which thousands of devotees participate.

Ahmedabad: Chaos broke out during the historic and grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, when three elephants involved in the procession suddenly went out of control. The elephants running out of control in a crowded area caused a stampede and panic among the devotees, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

However, due to the vigilance of the security forces and the mahouts, the elephants were immediately controlled, averting a major accident.

The Rath Yatra is carried out every year with great reverence and gaiety, in which thousands of devotees participate. This time too, a huge crowd had gathered. The procession included many decorated chariots, tableaux, saints, devotees and elephants and horses. Suddenly, three of the elephants walking in the procession went out of control and ran rapidly towards the crowd. Seeing this, the devotees panicked and many people started running here and there to save their lives.

Stampede Situation

As soon as a stampede situation arose in the crowd, the police, NDRF and the organizing team present on the spot did not delay in controlling the situation. The mahouts showed their wisdom and training and soon brought the elephants under control. Fortunately, there is no report of any casualties, although some people were slightly injured, who were given first aid on the spot.

Elephant Went Out Of Control

The video of this entire incident is going viral on social media, in which it can be seen how the elephants run out of control and people run to save their lives. The video has created a stir among the general public and devotees, and questions are also being raised on the organizers regarding security arrangements.

Interrogation Of Mahouts

Confirming the incident, the officials said that the elephants are being examined and the mahouts are being questioned as to what happened that the animals suddenly became violent. Such incidents in big events like Rath Yatra are a lesson that no laxity should be shown in security and animal management. The administration has appealed to the devotees to avoid rumours and maintain restraint during the Yatra.