An elephant named Dhanraj broke its chain, injured its keeper and damaged property in Varanasi, India, during the Ramnagar Ramlila event. Indian reports place the incident on 18 October. Experts from Gorakhpur Zoo eventually brought the animal under control with a tranquiliser late that night.

Keeper taken to hospital

The elephant had been brought from Azamgarh. Its keeper, Chaplu, was injured while trying to control it and was transferred to the Banaras Hindu University trauma centre. Initial reports described serious injuries.

Road closed and power disrupted

The Times of India reported damage to two electricity poles, shops and a market entrance. One pole carried a high-voltage line, causing a power cut of roughly two hours in Ramnagar. Police closed the Panchvati–Lanka road and performances were suspended.

Local teams sought specialist assistance from Gorakhpur. The elephant was sedated after hours of efforts to contain it.