Panic at Shivamogga Dasara: Residents suggest ‘religious remedy’

Former elected representatives and a section of residents in Shivamogga have suggested that the district administration consider a ‘religious solution’ in response to the untoward incidents during the Dasara celebrations in the city on October 22.

During the procession, Somanna, the tusker carrying the howdah, suddenly turned back after covering a short distance on the designated path and ran helter-skelter, causing panic among onlookers, police, and the organisers. A couple of vehicles and a portion of a house were damaged in the melee. The howdah fell to the ground, and the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari was damaged.

A number of residents, including former elected representatives, met Deputy Commissioner Prabhuling Kavalikatti on October 22 and suggested that the district administration consider a ‘religious solution’. Among them were former deputy chief minister K.S. Eshwarappa and former MLA K.B. Prasanna Kumar. Later, Shivamogga MLA S.N. Channabasappa met the Deputy Commissioner to discuss the issue.

Mr. Kavalikatti said he had listened to the suggestions of the former representatives with sensitivity. The priest of the Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple, a Muzrai temple, also submitted suggestions. “Based on the suggestions from people, I have decided to consult the State Dharmika Parishat (Religious Council). We will go by the guidance of the council,” he said.

Internal inquiry

The Forest Department has begun an internal inquiry into the incident in which Somanna, the elephant carrying the howdah during the Dasara celebrations, ran amok.

On October 22, Mr. Kavalikatti told reporters that Chief Conservator of Forests K.T. Hanumanthappa had begun collecting facts about the incident.

“The information we received was that all three elephants were equally capable of bearing the weight of the howdah and taking part in the procession. However, the internal probe will bring out what went wrong and what caused the incident,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

Last-minute change blamed

The speculation doing the rounds is that the intervention of a few over-enthusiastic elected representatives led to the chaos. Forest Department officials, in consultation with caretakers of the elephant, had decided to keep Somanna, the tusker carrying the howdah, in the middle of the procession, with Sagar, a veteran that had carried the howdah in previous years, in the lead. However, at the last minute, an elected representative insisted that Somanna be brought to the front. Exposed to the large crowd, the frightened animal turned back.

Demand to end use of elephants

The incidents have prompted several environmentalists to demand that the government of Karnataka stop involving elephants in festivals.

Akhilesh Chipli, an environmentalist from Sagar, said the use of elephants in Dasara celebrations is unacceptable, as the animals are not meant to handle such responsibilities. The Forest Department, he said, should not allow elephants to be used in such events.