A captive elephant carrying a 650kg silver-and-gold shrine to a Hindu goddess ran amok during a religious procession in southern India , damaging cars and bringing celebrations to an abrupt halt.

Footage from the city of Shivamogga in Karnataka state showed people scrambling to escape as the elephant, named Somanna, veered away from the procession route.

In the melee, the ornate shrine, known locally as ambari , fell from the animal’s back and suffered damage, prompting organisers to abandon the procession midway.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, triggered outrage from conservationists and animal rights activists. Veterinary officials eventually sedated the animal and it was later reported to be recovering at the nearby temple.

The incident occurred during a celebration of Dasara, a festival commemorating the day when the goddess Chamundeshwari slew the demon Mahishasura.…