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Suspects detained following elephant's death
Sri Lankan police have arrested three men, aged 42 to 50, on suspicion of setting a wild elephant ablaze with flaming torches in an attempt to drive it away from a northern village.
The male elephant, which sustained severe burns and a gunshot wound to its leg, succumbed to its injuries on Tuesday despite veterinary treatment.
Video sparks public outrage
A video of the attack, shared widely on social media this week, provoked widespread condemnation. The footage captured the moment the elephant was set upon with torches, leading to calls for justice from animal rights activists and online communities.
A petition launched on Thursday, demanding the prosecution of those responsible and stronger measures to prevent such cruelty, has already collected over 400 signatures.
Elephant's history of injuries
Local reports indicate the elephant had been treated by veterinarians multiple times earlier this year, suggesting it had previously encountered human conflict. The animal was found with extensive burns and a gunshot wound, which authorities believe contributed to its death.
Legal and cultural context
In Sri Lanka, where Buddhism is the dominant religion, elephants hold sacred status and are often featured in religious ceremonies and tourism. The World Wildlife Fund notes that killing an elephant is a criminal offense punishable by death under national law.
However, escalating human-elephant conflicts have led to rising fatalities on both sides. Nearly 400 elephants have died in Sri Lanka so far this year, many due to direct human actions, including shootings, train collisions, and so-called "jaw bombs"-explosive devices used by farmers to protect crops.
During the same period, over 100 people have been killed in elephant attacks, according to local media.
Broader implications
Wildlife officials told the Daily Mirror that the surge in human-elephant encounters reflects shrinking habitats and competition for resources. Conservationists warn that without urgent intervention, such conflicts will continue to escalate.
