A 45-year-old captive elephant named Pallattu Brahmadathan died due to a lightning strike near Erattupetta (Representative image)
KOTTAYAM: A 45-year-old captive elephant died after being struck by lightning near Erattupetta on Sunday evening, forest officials said. Owned by Erattupetta resident Rajesh Pallattu, Brahmadathan stood 298cm tall and had been brought to Kerala from Arunachal Pradesh around 25 years ago. A veterinary doctor who reached the spot later confirmed its death. Brahmadathan was also popular among elephant enthusiasts in Kerala. (With agency inputs) You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
The elephant died on the spot, officials said. Pallattu Brahmadathan was bathing near its owner’s house at Melampara when lightning struck during heavy rain. The elephant was a familiar presence at temple festivals across the state and had carried the deity’s idol during the night procession of Paramekkavu at the Thrissur Pooram. Download the TOI App.