Suspects in leopard killing case remanded

Embilipitiya Magistrate Court yesterday remanded three suspects till 17 January in connection with the killing of a leopard, which is an animal protected by the law, in the Udawalawe National Forest Reserve. 

The three were arrested by Police in connection with the killing and mutilation of the leopard, which was from the Monaragala and Embilipitiya ranges. According to Police, the suspects were arrested in the Kumarapura area near Sevanagala. Sevanagala Police are conducting further investigations.

The leopard’s carcass, which was missing limbs and several teeth, was found outside the Udawalawe National Park last week. According to the Udawalawe National Park, the leopard’s remains were handed over to the Veterinary Department of the Udawalawe Ath Athuru Sevana (Elephant Transit Home) for an autopsy to be conducted.