Animal hunters arrested; main suspect surrenders

3 July 2016 12:52 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Six hunters, including the main suspect, were arrested today in Panwila, Kandy in connection with hunting wild animals in the Knuckles Conservation Forest, following uproar on social media over the incident.

Pictures of hunters with meat of various wild animals went viral on social media last week creating a massive uproar among the public.

According to initial reports one of the hunters is said to be an Estate Superintendant, and the rest are also said to be hailing from affluent backgrounds.

The hunters were accused of killing animals including deer and porcupines considered endangered animals in the Wildlife Conservation Act.

The preliminary investigations launched by the Wildlife Conservation Department officials and the Panwila Police have found that the hunting activities as pictured had taken place five years ago.

Following police investigations, two men had been arrested in St. John’s Estate, Madolkele. One had escaped.

The main suspect and three others had surrendered to the Panwila Police with their lawyer.

Three firearms were also found in the possession of the hunters who are residents of Nawala and Panwila.

The suspects are in the ages of 20, 22, 28, 30, 33 and 42 were to be produced in the Theldeniya Magistrate’s Court in due course, police said.

Wildlife Conservation Department Acting Director General W.K. Pathirathna said a group of Department officers were also involved in the investigations with the police.

He said the suspects had surrendered not to the police but to the Wildlife Department’s Office in Randenigala where they were sent to the police later.

Meanwhile, sources said that some interested parties were interfering in the case and attempts are being made to sweep the case under the carpet. (Chamil Rupasinghe and Nadeeka Daya Bandara)

Video by Nadeeka Daya Bandara

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Comments - 13

Punish Sunday, 03 July 2016 01:41 PM

please give maximum punishment.

matipahana Sunday, 03 July 2016 02:17 PM

Must give the maximum punishment. Let it be a lesson for other hunters.

Poorna Sunday, 03 July 2016 02:57 PM

Now is the time for punishment

Sithum Sunday, 03 July 2016 02:57 PM

While people like Arjun Mahendran, Arjun Aloysius, Sachin Vas and a few others are protected by Ranil. What a mess up country I live in. Shame shame to these people and the hidden crooks too...

Don Sunday, 03 July 2016 03:52 PM

You call yourself news What are their names via DM Android App

Dinesh Sunday, 03 July 2016 03:54 PM

Take them to show the hidden weapons!

rosebud Sunday, 03 July 2016 03:54 PM

Name them shame them punish them. via DM Android App

das Sunday, 03 July 2016 04:53 PM

I hope they won't get away with just a fine like with the eagle killers

Haubt Sunday, 03 July 2016 06:28 PM

Please forgives them as if they have any other opportunity to work.

Jude Sunday, 03 July 2016 07:24 PM

These idiots do the same thing again and again. Make sure these things will not happen again from their dirty hands.

kk Sunday, 03 July 2016 08:32 PM

5000Rs BAIL via DM Android App

Citizen Sunday, 03 July 2016 11:45 PM

MAXIMUM PUNISHMENT FOR THESE WORTHLESS BARBARIANS

Jessi Monday, 04 July 2016 05:18 AM

Give more coverage on these stories. Increase the penalties for these criminals- they live for momentary gain and have no idea about the lasting damage they cause. Educate people who live in these areas - increase salaries of wild life rangers so that they can protect with pride. ask private companies to invest in wild life protection measures- there's so many opportunities for people to protect if only the people were more proactive.

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Animal hunters arrested; main suspect surrenders

Comments - 13

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