Three bullet fragments found in tusker Kavantissa’s abdomen

Newswire and Newsfirst report that the Mahawa Magistrate’s Court ordered the Department of Wildlife Conservation investigation into the shooting of tusker Kavantissa, also spelled Kawanthissa, to be handed to the Criminal Investigation Department. Newswire says the order was made at a hearing on Wednesday the 11th, by Magistrate Anuruddhika Seneviratne, and was conveyed to a lawyer representing the Galgamuwa Wildlife Office.

Daily Mirror reports that an interim post-mortem report submitted to the court found three bullet fragments in the elephant’s abdomen. Newswire says the report, presented by University of Peradeniya professor P.P.M.A. Wijesundara, recorded three pieces of ammunition on the right side of the abdomen. Newswire also reports that the court directed Wildlife Department officials to send the recovered ammunition to the Government Analyst; its report ends before specifying further details.

Newswire reports that two suspects, including a Skills Development Officer, were ordered to remain in custody until November 25. The outlet says lawyers for the suspects argued that elephants and tuskers were not covered by the Public Property Act, but the magistrate rejected that argument and ruled that the Act applied.

Newswire reports that lawyers representing the Protect Elephant World Global Association raised concerns about threats to elephants and tuskers in Sri Lanka, including activities by YouTubers seeking financial gain. They said the tusker was covered by the Public Property Act and urged the court and wildlife officials to give the issue attention.