Sri Lankan state media have reported that a suspect arrested in connection with the shooting of iconic wild tusker Kavantissa is affiliated with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
According to the state-owned Dinamina newspaper, the suspect is a member of an SLPP-affiliated cooperative development body. The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, the country’s state television broadcaster, has also reported the suspect’s alleged political affiliation.
The reports come as investigations continue into the shooting of Kavantissa, whose death on October 16 sparked widespread public concern.
Two suspects arrested in connection with the shooting were remanded until October 28 after being produced before the Mahawa Magistrate’s Court on Monday (19).
Mahawa Magistrate Anuradha Seneviratne ordered wildlife officials to submit a detailed report at the next hearing, including specific evidence linking the suspects to the shooting, the date of the alleged offence and any available scientific or eyewitness evidence.
During the proceedings, wildlife officials informed the court that one suspect possessed a licensed firearm and was suspected of using it to shoot Kavantissa.
However, lawyers representing the suspects rejected the allegations, arguing that no scientific evidence had been presented to establish their clients’ involvement.
The magistrate questioned wildlife officials about the evidence supporting the shooting allegations and stressed that suspects could not be kept in remand indefinitely without sufficient supporting material. (Newswire)
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