The Department of Wildlife Conservation has launched an investigation into the death of a wild elephant whose carcass was discovered in a forested area near a paddy field adjacent to Kayangollawa Wewa in Kahatagasdigiliya.
The Department stated that Kahatagasdigiliya Police, Army Intelligence personnel and wildlife officers have commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those suspected of being involved in the incident.
According to the Department, the elephant's left tusk had been removed, with wildlife officials suspecting that it had been severed using a tool after the animal's death.
The incident is scheduled to be reported to the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate's Court today (02).
A post-mortem examination is to be conducted by the Wildlife Veterinary Unit in Pandulagama to establish the circumstances surrounding the elephant's death.
The Department further stated that the deceased elephant was estimated to be between 20 and 25 years of age and approximately seven feet in height.
Wildlife officers and Civil Defense personnel have been deployed to safeguard the carcass as investigations into the incident continue, the Department of Wildlife Conservation added.
