{
  "id": 11955201,
  "title": "Tusker Pallatt Brahmadathan dies after lightning strike near Erattupetta in Keralam’s Kottayam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/tusker-pallatt-brahmadathan-dies-after-lightning-strike-near",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T15:43:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/tusker-pallatt-brahmadathan-dies-after-lightning-strike-near-erattupetta-in-keralams-kottayam/article71544433.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pallatt Brahmadathan, a 65-year-old elephant well-known at temple festivals in Keralam, passed away due to a lightning strike during a storm near Erattupetta in Kottayam on Sunday evening. Around 5.30 p.m., the elephant, tethered near his owner's residence, was hit by thunder. The 10-foot-tall tusker was resting at Melampara following an episode of musth. Brahmadathan, imported from Bihar, was a beloved attraction among elephant enthusiasts. He had participated in the late-night Pooram procession of Paramekkavu Devaswom at Thrissur's Thrissur Pooram. Renowned for his calm demeanor, the elephant was affectionately called Gaja Kausthubham Pallatt Brahmadathan. After the news broke, many gathered at his owner's house to bid farewell to the beloved animal.",
  "summary": "Known for his calm and gentle nature, Brahmadathan was fondly referred to by elephant lovers as Gaja Kausthubham Pallatt Brahmadathan",
  "key_points": [
    "65-year-old elephant dies from lightning strike in Kottayam",
    "Tusker tethered near owner's residence during storm",
    "Known for calm demeanor, called Gaja Kausthubham"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}