During the Rath Yatra celebrations in Ahmedabad on Friday morning, a male elephant suddenly went out of control near Desai Ni Pol in the Khadia area, causing panic among people nearby.
This elephant was part of a group of 18 elephants in the procession and was the only male among them. According to RK Sahu, the Superintendent of Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, the elephant became agitated and started running off the planned path of the Yatra.
#RathYatra scare in #Ahmedabad: Elephant runs amok near Khadia, tranquilised and isolated; 17 others continue on route
Know more đź”— https://t.co/XfEBYGmkHp#JagannathRathYatra pic.twitter.com/6WlZ4UwqRX
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) June 27, 2025
As per safety protocol, the officials quickly gave the elephant a tranquiliser to calm him down. Two female elephants were then used to gently guide him away from the crowd. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident, and the situation was quickly brought under control.
The male elephant has now been kept in isolation and will not return to the procession. The other 17 elephants, all female, continued the Rath Yatra without any further problems.
Read more:Â When Wildlife Goes Shopping: Hungry elephant raids grocery store in Thailand…
The Rath Yatra is one of the biggest religious festivals in Ahmedabad and draws huge crowds every year. The city makes detailed safety arrangements for the event, including for the elephants and chariots that take part.
