Mahout seen thrashing elephant in viral video of Ahmedabad rathyatra

During the 148th rathyatra of Lord Jagannath, a viral video surfaced showing a mahout mercilessly beating an innocent elephant. The incident occurred as the procession passed through the Khadia area, where the loud DJ music reportedly agitated one male and two female elephants, causing chaos.

Seventeen elephants, including one male and the remaining females, had been part of the rathyatra. As the procession passed through Khadia, loud DJ music reportedly triggered panic among the male elephant and two females, leading to a stampede-like situation in which five people sustained minor injuries. The control team administered sedatives to the elephants and removed them from the yatra, returning them to the temple.

On Saturday, the video that surfaced showed the mahout violently beating the chained elephant with a stick or pipe. The 45-second clip records at least 19 blows, including strikes to the elephant’s stomach, legs, and even its trunk. At one point, the elephant appears to collapse in distress from the beating.

The viral video sparked outrage among animal lovers and temple visitors, who not only demanded action against the mahout but also called for accountability from temple authorities. Gaekwad Haveri Police Inspector C V Gosai confirmed that the matter is being taken seriously, and a report has been requested from the temple administration. Authorities are trying to verify the date of the video, whether the elephant in the video was the one that lost control during the yatra, and the identity of the mahout.

So far, no official response has been received from the temple. However, police have assured that legal steps will be taken following thorough investigation. Some organisations have also made representations at higher levels, urging action not only against the mahout but also other responsible parties. The video has triggered strong public reaction.

Under which legal provision can action be initiated against the individual for beating the elephant?

According to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Section 11 makes it a punishable offense to beat or cause pain to animals. Specifically, Section 11(1)(d) prohibits transportation or treatment of animals in ways that cause them pain, and Section 11(2) covers neglect or lack of proper care. Moreover, this act, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Indian Penal Code may also be invoked to file legal charges in such cases.