Suspects remanded for setting fire to wild elephant in Mihinthale

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has decided to keep three suspects in custody until December 24 for their alleged involvement in torturing and setting fire to a wild elephant in the Sippukulama region of Mihintale. Their arrest followed the release of a shocking video on social media that showed the elephant being harmed with fire. Investigations by the Mihintale Police led to the capture of three local men, aged 42, 48, and 50. The injured elephant was later discovered dead in Sippukulama. A post-mortem examination showed that the elephant died from existing kidney and liver problems, which were worsened by severe shock and fear from the burn injuries.