The shocking moment an enraged elephant swang a worshipper around with its trunk during its rampage through an Indian temple has gone viral.
Footage shows the elephant grabbing the man by the leg and tossing him around at a religious festival at BP Angadi Mosque in Malappuram, Kerala, on January 6.
This prompted frantic worshippers to stampede, running away from the animal and scrambling to safety.
Nearby elephant riders can be seen comforting the distressed animal, which had a gold headpiece adorning its head, and removing some of the ornaments in an attempt to alleviate its aggression.
The man thrown around by the mammal reportedly sustained serious injuries, while 23 other worshippers were injured in the stampede, according to police.
Thrissur Pooram, one of the region’s most prominent religious festivals, is a spectacular temple celebration held in the cultural capital of the state.
The festival is renowned for its stunning elephant processions, where decorated elephants march in rhythm with the beat of the drums.
In Kerala, well known as God’s Own Country, elephants form an integral part of the cultural ethos and are deeply connected to the state’s religious and social functions.
