THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a horrific incident, an assistant mahout was trampled to death by an elephant in Neyyattinkara on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Kollam native Vishnu.

The incident occurred near the Ayayil Kariyilakulagara Bhagavathy temple in Neyyattinkara. It is learnt that the elephant, named Gowrinandan, has been restive for the last few days.

Meanwhile, the Marayamuttom police informed that the elephant has been brought under control. Vishnu's body has been shifted to the mortuary for post mortem.