December 18, Colombo (LNW): Mihinthale Police have taken three men into custody over the alleged abuse of a wild elephant that was reportedly doused in flames in the Seeppukulama area, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage.
The arrests followed a detailed police inquiry launched after disturbing footage circulated widely on social media, appearing to show the animal being deliberately set on fire. The video prompted swift public condemnation and calls for accountability.
Authorities later discovered the elephant dead within the Mihinthale Police Division. Veterinary findings from a post-mortem examination indicated that the animal had been suffering from serious kidney and liver complications, with investigators noting that the trauma and severe stress caused by burn injuries significantly worsened its condition.
Those detained are residents of Seeppukulama, aged between their early forties and fifties. Police say they were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty in connection with the incident.
The suspects are due to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death.
