Jumbo electrocuted in Mahagodayaya, Buttala

By Sumanasiri Gunatilleka   

The carcass of a wild elephant was recovered by Buttala Police last morning from a cultivated land at Mahagodayaya in Buttala area.  

Wildlife officials who examined the carcass said the jumbo that roamed into the cultivated land had been electrocuted when entangled in the live wire laid by the farmer to protect crops from wild animals.   

They said the well grown bull elephant was seven feet tall and about 15 years of age.   

The 40-year-old land owner was taken into custody on suspicion of laying the electric trap. He was to be produced before Wellawaya Magistrate yesterday.   

Monaragala Wildlife Office and Buttala Police are conducting further investigations.