The Mahawa Magistrate Court has denied the request made by the National Zoological gardens to transfer the tusks and ‘gajamuthu’ of the tusker ‘Dala Puttuwa’ who was killed by poachers in late November.
Ada Derana correspondents state that the motion brought forward by the Director of the National Zoological Gardens together with the Nikaweratiya police was rebuffed by Additional Magistrate Rasika Mallawarchchi.
The motion was brought forward stating that there were practical difficulties when examining the tusks and gajamuthu at the Mahawa Court complex. Responding to the request the Magistrate stated that the trial will solely be based on the forensic evidence provided by the Zoological Gardens. Thereby it was of paramount importance that the officials conclude the examination without further delay.
