Shivamogga: A day after tusker Somanna disrupted Shivamogga’s ceremonial Dasara procession, political figures, wildlife activists, and forest officials remain locked in a tense debate over accountability.While local political leaders attributed the lack of casualties to divine intervention, an investigation highlights severe administrative failures, last-minute political interference, and poor event planning.Sources said that the primary catalyst was selecting elephants which were trained for wild capture and conflict operations rather than dense urban crowds, loud music, or narrow streets. Due to their naturally shy temperament, they lack crowd conditioning. Despite clear risk factors, the forest department was pressured into deploying them on short notice, sources noted.It is complained that instructions from local MLA S N Channabasappa forced a last-minute parade order change, moving Somanna — who was carrying the 450kg silver ambari (howdah) — to the front. The sudden repositioning and surging crowd commotion triggered panic in the elephant.Emergency response protocols also broke down. VIPs and local figures repeatedly ignored safety buffers by walking directly in front of the animals, foresters complained.Highlighting critical medical delays, Chirag from Rainland Trust alleged that the veterinary team failed to keep a pre-loaded immobilising dart gun ready, having to retrieve equipment from a vehicle, which delayed tranquillisation by nearly 30 minutes.DC Prabhuling Kavalikatti announced an internal inquiry to review protocol lapses. He added that delegations, including former DCM KS Eshwarappa and temple priests from Kote Anjaneya Temple, requested special religious rituals following property damage and the fall of the ambari.Defending the management, chief conservator of forests (Shivamogga circle) K T Hanumathappa stated that Somanna was selected by expert panels after regular participant Sagar showed discomfort during weight-bearing rehearsals. He explained that Somanna panicked 500 to 800 metres into the route upon encountering a dense crowd in an open area, attempting to retreat along the cleared path. Officials confirmed the elephants were safely calmed without major injuries.Meanwhile, MLA Channabasappa maintained that goddess Chamundeshwari’s blessings prevented a disaster.PeTA to govt: Stop using elephantsFollowing the chaotic Shivamogga Dasara incident where the elephant Somanna panicked, injured his mahout, and damaged property, PeTA India has written to forest minister Ramalinga Reddy urging an end to using live elephants in future Dasara celebrations. Offering to provide a fleet of life-size mechanical elephants, PeTA India advocated relocating captive elephants to sanctuaries. The appeal coincided with the unveiling of Karnataka’s 11th mechanical elephant, Shivayogiswara, at Mandya’s DMS Chandravana Ashram. Citing past safety hazards and animal abuse, PeTA India said realistic, motorised mechanical elephants ensure public safety while preserving cultural tradition.
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