Anilkumar T By

AMATTANCHERRY: On Wednesday, at around 5 pm, people ran helter-skelter towards Mattancherry Bridge saying something was trapped along with the hyacinths in the fishermen’s net tied under the historical bridge. Some said it was an elephant, while others opined it was a shark that landed in the nets. Everyone could see something floating in the waters but they could not make it out clearly. They kept assuming and asking each other, scanning the murky waters below.

Within minutes, the Mattancherry bridge was flooded with people. Bike riders, auto rickshaw drivers, head load workers, students and migrant labourers formed the restive crowd that swarmed to the scene.

“I’m sure this is an elephant, the trunk and the head are clearly visible and it’s trying to escape the strong undercurrent,” said a student from st. Sebastian’s School Palluruthy, to his classmate, who had come to witness the unusual event. His friend retorted that it was definitely a shark. “Look at the length of the thing, how can it be an elephant,” he said.

Meanwhile, a fishermen’s boat came by calling fishermen in the vicinity to see what was in the waters, but none heeded to the call. Those who came to witness the scene had absolutely no idea what was going on, but were full of excitement, expecting the unexpected to happen.

Soon the bridge was congested with bikes as only two-wheelers are permitted to enter the bridge.

After a shortwhile, the police arrived at the spot. The excitement fizzled out when the police took a close look thoroughly at the thing again. Soon, the police dispelled the crowd saying that it was nothing, but a mere cluster of hyacinths. However, most of the onlookers were not ready to believe the police version.