A farmer who shot dead wild elephant in self-defence arrested

• Suspect released on personal bail of Rs. 200,000 with two sureties each

By B.G.Chaturanga   

A farmer who shot to death a wild elephant that chased him was arrested by the Wildlife Conservators.   
He was a resident of Thuruvila in Halmillewa in Thirappane Wildlife Range.

He stated that a herd of elephants that raided his Chena and  destroyed crops and when he attempted to drive them away one of the  jumbos gave chase after him, compelling him to shoot it in self-defense  with his licensed 12-bore gun.    The approximately 20-year-old elephant died from gunshot injuries to its head.

A team of wildlife conservators under the Wildlife Veterinary  Surgeon In Pandulagama Wildlife Office in Anuradhapura Dr,  W.L.U.Maduwanthi conducted investigations.   

The suspect was produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate and released on personal bail of Rs. 200,000 with two sureties each.