Tiruchendur temple elephant, which killed 2 men, returns to normal state of behaviour

THE Tiruchendur Murugan temple elephant Deivanai, which had trampled its mahout and his relative to death on Monday, has returned to its normal state of behaviour, and is being observed round-the-clock by the forest and animal husbandry officials.

The 26-year-old jumbo, whose behaviour and feeding are being continuously monitored, has been confined to its shelter.

The mahout, Udhayakumar of Tiruchendur, and his relative Sisubalan (55) from Kanniyakumari were attacked on the temple premises, allegedly after the latter patted Deivanai's trunk after taking pictures of the elephant.

Ever since the attack, the forest and animal husbandry department took control of the elephant and restrained many of its activities, including morning walks and bathing in the pond, sources said.