Elephant Somanna runs amok at Shivamogga Dasara on Oct 21
Foresters and district minister Madhu Bangarappa have defended the selection of Somanna to carry the howdah in the procession on Oct 21. Shivamogga: Shivamogga Circle CCF KT Hanumanthappa submitted a detailed report to the higher-ups in Bengaluru regarding the Shivamogga Dasara incident wherein Somanna ran amok. Foresters have attributed the tusker’s sudden panic entirely to situational triggers—such as dense crowds, loud noises, a narrow space and the sudden movement of accompanying elephants—while avoiding any admission of internal mismanagement.
Once the Ambari was mounted, Somanna walked smoothly for about 800 metres near Ramanna Shetty Shreshti Park before encountering issues. Minister inspects howdah Shivamogga district minister Madhu Bangarappa on Saturday inspected the idol of Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity, and the howdah that were damaged during the Dasara procession on Oct 21. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mysuru | Silver Rate in Mysuru | Bank Holidays in Mysuru | Public Holidays in Mysuru Stay updated with the latest Mysuru news.
Hanumanthappa told reporters that findings are based on video clips, CCTV footage and statements from the staffers. The primary trigger for Somanna’s panic was a lack of wide-open space, according to the report. He said the selection and training were conducted as per forest department rules.
The investigation first addressed the selection process between elephants Sagar and Somanna for carrying the howdah. Both elephants underwent detailed preparation assessments, but Sagar did not respond as dynamically or comfortably as required during training. Based on observations and inputs from Sagar’s mahout, Imtiyaz, authorities concluded that Somanna was the better choice for the role. Elephants naturally require broad physical clearance when turning or relieving themselves, and a tight environment surrounded by onlookers can lead to sudden distress or confusion. Madhu described the event as an alarming warning rather than a major disaster and emphasised that fortunately no human casualties or animal fatalities occurred. Three elephants underwent continuous training, and a committee decided on Somanna based on rigorous fitness assessments, and he ruled out it being a last-minute decision. All senior officials, including DCF, DC, SP, CEO, ADC, MLA and corporation commissioner, acted as a team. Download the TOI App.