A tusker turned violent at Malayinkeezhu Sreekrishna temple here on Thursday afternoon and killed its mahout.
The mahout has been identified as Vijayan, 50, of Puzhikunnu.
According to police, the elephant, Sreevallabhan, which was in ‘musth’, turned violent when it was brought to the temple pond for bathing by 2.30 p.m.
The elephant attacked Vijayan when he tried to bring it under control.
After attacking him, the elephant stayed near the injured mahout and prevented people from coming near.
Despite the efforts by the police and the local people, the jumbo could not be contained and the subsequent delay in reaching medical aid led to Vijayan’s death on the spot.
The tusker remained aggressive for three more
hours before it was contained by the elephant squad officials by firing two tranquilizer shots.