A wild elephant was reported dead after allegedly being shot by Police Officers on patrol in the Damanayaya area in Bakamuna along the Bakamuna – Dambulla main road last night, it was reported.
According to media reports, wildlife officials from the Bakamuna area said the elephant had died due to injuries sustained in the shooting. They further said the elephant is around 38 years old and was identified as ‘Raja’.
It is reported that the elephant which was seen in the vicinity of a house in search of food had been chased away using elephant jaw bombs, after which the animal had moved to the Bakamuna- Dambulla main road.
Three Police officers who were engaged in patrolling duties in a three-wheeler at night had opened fire at the elephant after it had allegedly attempted to attack the vehicle. The elephant which reportedly had sustained injuries near its ear had died on the spot.
A tense situation had also occurred between the Police and the area residents over the incident last night, with residents claiming that the elephant had not been a major threat to the area. (Newswire)
