A brutal act caught on camera sparks nationwide outrage as authorities arrest three suspects over the killing of a helpless wild elephant in Mihintale.
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the killing of a wild elephant in the Seeppukulama area of Mihintale, police confirmed yesterday evening (17).
The suspects, aged 42, 48, and 50, are residents of the same locality and were taken into custody by Mihintale Police. Investigators allege that the men set fire to an injured wild elephant using burning torches. They are scheduled to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today (18).
According to wildlife officials, the elephant was found collapsed in a home garden in Seeppukulama and later died from severe burn injuries. Further investigations revealed that the animal had also sustained a gunshot wound to one of its forelimbs, leaving it unable to move and extremely vulnerable.
Wildlife veterinary surgeons were immediately dispatched to the scene and administered emergency treatment in an attempt to save the elephant. Despite these efforts, the animal succumbed to its injuries. Officials believe the extensive burns were the primary cause of death, although a postmortem examination will determine the exact cause.
The incident triggered widespread public anger after a video of the act, reportedly recorded by an eyewitness, circulated rapidly on social media. The footage prompted strong condemnation from animal welfare groups and the public, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws and harsher penalties for crimes against Sri Lanka’s wildlife.
