AG files indictments over elephant trafficking case

The Attorney General has filed indictments before the trial-at-bar in the Colombo High Court over the elephant trafficking case in which S.N. Roshan alias Ali Roshan and seven others were named as accused over the alleged illegal possession of five elephants during the 2012-2015 period without a valid license.

Subsequently, the Court had issued notices on the accused to appear in court on July 25.

The AG had filed indictments based on 33 counts, including trafficking of elephants, conspiracy to trafficking, unlawful possession of elephants, and retention of stolen public property in violation of the Fauna and Flora Ordinance, Penal Code and the Public Property Act.

Coordinating Officer to the AG, SC Nishara Jayaratne told the Daily Mirror that the estimated value of the five elephants was nearly Rs.30 million.

The other accused are H. Nishantha Dammika, K. Chandana Kumara, G. A. Sashika Chanuka, P. G. Jayalath, H. Priyangika Sanjeewani, Upali Padmasiri and R. Damith Chathuranga. (Shehan Chamika Silva)