Panic at Shivamogga Dasara as Elephant Carrying Silver Howdah Runs Amok; No Casualties Reported

Panic broke out during the Shivamogga Dasara 2026 Jamboo Savari procession in Karnataka after an elephant carrying a silver howdah suddenly panicked and charged back along the route. The incident occurred as the procession was moving towards Freedom Park. The elephant, identified as Somanna, reportedly turned back towards the Kote Sri Seetharamanjaneya Temple, where the procession had begun. The sudden movement caused the silver howdah mounted on the elephant to fall and sustain extensive damage. Another elephant reportedly followed Somanna as it turned back, triggering panic among spectators. People ran for safety as police personnel worked to control the crowd. Forest department officials and veterinary teams rushed to the spot and took measures to bring the elephants under control. Somanna was administered a sedative and was later seen recovering at the temple. Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Prabhuling Kavalikatti and Superintendent of Police Nikhil B confirmed that the elephants had been brought under control. Some vehicles parked along the route were reportedly damaged. Authorities confirmed that no casualties or loss of life were reported in the incident.