Investigations into the carcass of a tusker found missing a tusk in the Kumbukwewa area of Meeminnawala, Kahatagasdigiliya, have uncovered significant information. Wildlife officials have managed to apprehend a former Civil Defence officer suspected of cutting off the tusker's tusk.
The 34-year-old suspect was arrested by officers of the Kahatagasdigiliya Range Forest Office under the guidance of Anuradhapura Range Forest Officer Dhammika Sanjeewa.
Items found at house and watch-hut
During searches conducted at the suspect's house and his cultivation watch-hut, officers found an explosive device made using an elephant cracker and petrol, a trap gun, and a bag containing gunpowder and related accessories.
In addition, a curved knife, a hacksaw, and several wooden sticks suspected of having been cut from the location where the tusker died in Meeminnawala were recovered. Wildlife officials suspect that the hacksaw may have been used to saw off the tusker's tusk.
Court order
The arrested suspect was produced before the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate's Court today (05). The court ordered that he be remanded in custody until the 18th.
