Tusker Pallat Brahmadathan died after being struck by lightning in Kottayam. The elephant, owned by Rajesh Pallat, a native of Erattupetta, sustained serious injuries following a powerful lightning strike on Sunday evening. Later, a veterinary doctor arrived and confirmed the death. It was struck by lightning while tethered in the residential compound.
Brought to Kerala from Bihar, the 10-foot-tall elephant was 45 years old. Having been in Kerala for the past 25 years, Brahmadathan was a prominent presence in various major temple festivals across the state, including carrying the sacred thidambu during the night pooram of Paramekkavu at the Thrissur Pooram.
Earlier too, a captive elephant named Kolakkadan Mini had died in a similar manner due to lightning strikes in Kerala. The Forest Department has previously officially confirmed incidents of wild elephants and other wildlife perishing due to severe lightning strikes in and around the forest regions of Kerala during heavy rains and the north-east monsoon.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com