A caparisoned elephant became agitated during the annual Gyarvi Shareef procession in Hyderabad’s Old City on Friday night, moving uncontrollably through a crowded street and reportedly damaging several parked vehicles before handlers brought it under control.
The incident took place near Etebar Chowk on Panjeshah Road, within the limits of the Mir Chowk police station, after the elephant emerged from Irani Galli, Telangana Today reported. The animal’s sudden movement prompted people in the area to run for safety.
Mahouts and other handlers moved quickly to restrain the elephant and managed to bring it under control within minutes, according to the report. Mirchowk police personnel also intervened to disperse the crowd and prevent further mishaps.
The incident occurred along a busy procession route in the Old City, where the presence of a large animal and a gathered crowd created an immediate street-level safety risk. The report did not provide details of the extent of damage to the parked vehicles or identify their owners.
No injuries or casualties were reported. The report also did not indicate whether any further restrictions were imposed on the procession or whether authorities issued additional directions to organisers and handlers after the elephant was brought under control.
The Gyarvi Shareef procession is held annually, and the incident highlights the operational risks involved when large religious gatherings, moving crowds, animals and narrow urban streets converge. Further details on the vehicle damage and any official follow-up were not available in the supplied report.
