VARANASI/GORAKHPUR, Oct. 18 -- Panic gripped Ramnagar in Varanasi on Sunday after an elephant brought from Azamgarh for the famous Ramlila ran amok at Panchvati ground, lifted its mahout (caretaker) with its trunk and threw him to the ground before uprooting electric poles. Around 200 people reportedly joined efforts to restrain the animal, which remained out of control for hours, prompting police to restrict movement along the Lanka-Panchvati road.

The incident took place around 10:30 am when the mahout, identified as Chaplu, had gone to feed the elephant, police said. He was rushed to the trauma centre of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for treatment, and his condition was reported to be out of danger.

Ramnagar police station in-charge...