Viral Video: Elephant Somanna Rams Car During Shivamogga Dasara as 650-Kg Silver Ambari Falls

A Dasara procession in Karnataka’s Shivamogga was disrupted on October 21 after elephant Somanna, carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in a silver Ambari, panicked and ran amok through the streets, damaging vehicles and triggering panic among spectators. Forest Department personnel eventually brought the elephant under control using a tranquilliser, while the procession was halted midway.

Elephant Somanna Runs Amok During Shivamogga Dasara

The incident occurred during the traditional Jamboo Savari procession, which began near Shivappa Nayaka Palace in Shivamogga and was scheduled to proceed towards Allama Prabhu Ground for the Banni Puja ceremony. Somanna reportedly changed direction and moved back along the route before entering nearby streets. As the elephant moved through the area, people fled to safety, and several vehicles were damaged.

The silver Ambari carrying the deity’s idol also fell to the ground and sustained damage. Reports said two cars and three motorcycles were damaged during the incident. Indore Elephant Attack Video: Autorickshaw Driver Dies After Animal Tramples Him While Feeding Jaggery.

Elephant Somanna Runs Amok, Damages Vehicles

Forest Officials Use Tranquilliser to Control Elephant

Forest Department personnel, mahouts and other officials worked to bring Somanna under control as the situation unfolded. A tranquilliser was eventually administered to calm the elephant. The procession was stopped following the incident. Officials subsequently focused on securing the elephant and ensuring the safety of people in the area. Although the incident caused considerable alarm, officials told media outlets that no injuries were reported in the initial accounts.

Why Was Somanna Carrying the Ambari?

The choice of elephant for this year’s procession has come under scrutiny. Elephant Sagar, who had carried the Ambari in previous years, was replaced by Somanna shortly before the event. Reports differed on the circumstances behind the change. Some attributed it to Sagar’s leg injury, while other accounts said Somanna had performed well during rehearsals. Local concerns were also raised about whether the change in the elephants’ positions contributed to the incident. The exact cause remains under investigation.

Following the incident, Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy directed forest officials to ensure elephants participating in next year’s Jamboo Savari undergo at least 20 days to a month of training, with experienced mahouts involved in their preparation. Assam: 2 Men Killed in Separate Wild Elephant Attacks in Nagaon’s Samaguri; Villagers in Panic.

Shivamogga Dasara Festivities Disrupted

The incident interrupted the annual Dasara celebrations in Shivamogga, where the Jamboo Savari procession is an important part of the festivities. The event features a ceremonial procession carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding Somanna’s sudden change of direction and the resulting damage. The incident has also raised questions about elephant handling, crowd management and safety arrangements during large public processions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2026 09:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).