SHIVAMOGGA: Dasara procession was halted Wednesday after tusker Somanna, carrying a silver howdah containing the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, bolted after being startled by crowds and loud noises. No one was injured, though some vehicles were damaged.Six of the idol’s eight gold bangles went missing during the melee, with only two recovered. The silver ambari was also damaged after slipping off the elephant and crashing to the ground. Somanna, 35, was brought from Sakrebailu elephant camp as a last-minute replacement after lead elephant Sagar suffered a leg injury. It was Somanna’s first time carrying the howdah.The procession began around 2.30pm after Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa offered floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari.Somanna became agitated amid massive crowds and loud noises in Gandhi Bazaar, triggering panic. Police and forest officials secured the area, while veterinary officers Dr Anand and Dr Muruli Manohar administered a sedative. Somanna was brought under control with the help of elephants Sagar and Bahadur. He entered an alley near Kote Seetharamanjaneya Temple and was chained after about 30 minutes. Shivamogga SP B Nikhil said the situation was under control and the incident would be investigated.Min orders 20-30 days’ training for elephantsForest minister Ramalinga Reddy has mandated 20-30 days of compulsory training for all elephants participating in next year’s procession.Reddy said he had contacted district and forest officials to review the incident. He sought details on what triggered Somanna’s panic, whether adequate safety measures were in place, the risks to the public and the extent of vehicle damage.Celebrations concludeThe nine-day festivities concluded with rituals, including Banni Pooja. The second Utsav Moorthi safely reached Allama Bayalu (Freedom Park), where thousands gathered for the concluding ceremonies.
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