The Shivamogga Dasara procession faced disruption after tusker Somanna, startled by crowds and noise, bolted.
Somanna, 35, was brought from Sakrebailu elephant camp as a last-minute replacement after lead elephant Sagar suffered a leg injury. He entered an alley near Kote Seetharamanjaneya Temple and was chained after about 30 minutes.
Shivamogga SP B Nikhil said the situation was under control and the incident would be investigated. Reddy said he had contacted district and forest officials to review the incident. Six of the idol’s eight gold bangles went missing during the melee, with only two recovered. The silver ambari was also damaged after slipping off the elephant and crashing to the ground. It was Somanna’s first time carrying the howdah. Somanna became agitated amid massive crowds and loud noises in Gandhi Bazaar, triggering panic. Police and forest officials secured the area, while veterinary officers Dr Anand and Dr Muruli Manohar administered a sedative. Somanna was brought under control with the help of elephants Sagar and Bahadur. He sought details on what triggered Somanna’s panic, whether adequate safety measures were in place, the risks to the public and the extent of vehicle damage. The nine-day festivities concluded with rituals, including Banni Pooja. The second Utsav Moorthi safely reached Allama Bayalu (Freedom Park), where thousands gathered for the concluding ceremonies.