In a tragic incident, two people were killed by the temple elephant, Deivaanai, belonging to the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple. The elephant, which is typically engaged in ceremonial processions and blessing devotees, attacked its caretaker and his relative.
Deivaanai is usually stationed near the temple entrance, where devotees offer fruits and other items. The elephant’s care was primarily overseen by mahouts Senthil and Radhakrishnan, with Udhayakumar (46), a resident of V.O.C. Street in Tiruchendur, assisting them.
Yesterday afternoon, Udhayakumar and his relative, Sisubalan (45), from Pazhugal village in Kanyakumari district, entered the enclosure where the elephant was tied. It is reported that they intended to offer fruits to the elephant.
Upon noticing Sisubalan, a stranger to the elephant, entering the enclosure, the usually calm elephant became aggressive. Deivaanai attacked Sisubalan and then turned on Udhayakumar, who attempted to control the situation. The elephant used its trunk to hurl Udhayakumar violently.
Hearing the commotion, other mahouts rushed in and managed to calm the elephant. However, both victims sustained severe injuries during the attack.
Udhayakumar and Sisubalan were immediately taken to the Tiruchendur Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance. Unfortunately, doctors declared both men dead on arrival.
The tragic incident has left the temple authorities and devotees in shock, raising concerns about safety protocols and measures in handling temple elephants.