Neeleswaram town witnessed dramatic scenes on Tuesday as a buffalo broke free and went on a four-hour rampage, sparking widespread panic and prompting emergency alerts from local authorities.
The animal, brought from Pilathara by Mandampurathu Shafeekh, was temporarily housed at his Mandampuram residence before being shifted to a farm in Karinthalam. However, before the move could be completed, the buffalo escaped, charging onto the National Highway and tearing through several neighbourhoods.
Streets cleared, residents warned
As the buffalo stormed through Karuvachery, SS Kalamandiram Road, Ramaram, Thattacherry, Karutha Gate, and Pallikkara, ward councillor Shajeer quickly issued warnings through local WhatsApp groups, advising residents to stay indoors.
Shocked parents kept children inside, and most locals avoided venturing out. Others cautiously watched from balconies and rooftops as the buffalo raced through narrow streets and open roads.
High-speed chase, dramatic end
Efforts to restrain the animal involved Shafeekh and local volunteers, who attempted several times to corner the buffalo. After four tense hours, it was finally contained within the compound of a house near St Anne’s School in Pallikkara. The buffalo was safely tied down, and the chaos ended without any injuries or property damage.
Concerns over livestock transport
Though the incident ended without tragedy, it has raised serious concerns about the handling and transport of large animals, especially in densely populated areas. While some locals criticized the lack of preparedness, others praised the swift alerts and community effort that prevented a disaster.
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