This is the moment a cruel prankster sneaks up behind an elephant and pulls its tail in order to make it chase a crowd of people for fun.

The video of the wild elephants being abused was shot in Odisha’s Angul district in India and the man who carried out the attack was identified as Dinesh Sahoo from Kulad Village in the Talcher Forest Range.

The figures confirm that he had been arrested after being identified on Wednesday, 8th November.

The 24-year-old suspect is being charged under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. If convicted offenders can face between three and seven years in prison.

The elephant had been spotted by the crowd near the village and they had apparently been trying to drive it away when the accused sneaked up behind the elephant and pulled its tail.

This resulted in the elephant turning around and charging at the crowd.

People are seen fleeing from the elephant before it gives up and again starts to head away from the villagers.

Elephants can reach speeds of up to 15 mph when charging and most people would find it difficult to outrun them unless they gave up the chase.

The video was shared by Susanta Nanda from the Indian Forestry Service who said: “This is from Angul district. Anyone providing information about the person teasing the elephant & location,will be suitably rewarded, while keeping it confidential.

“We have zero tolerance to such idiots. Either elephant will trample you or our laws.”