Three individuals, including two indigenous people from the Henanigala area, have reportedly escaped custody after being arrested for killing a leopard and attempting to transport its skin from the Maduru Oya National Park. According to the Henanigala Wildlife Range Office, the suspects jumped into a stream and fled.
The leopard was approximately six feet long. The suspects were initially apprehended in the Kahapalam area of Maduru Oya National Park while carrying the skinned leopard. The Henanigala Wildlife Range Officer confirmed that a large-scale search operation is underway to locate the fugitives, who have also fled their village.
One of the suspects has been identified as an army deserter. The range officer stated that once the suspects are re-arrested, they will be brought before the Dehiattakandiya Magistrate's Court. The three men are all between 30 and 40 years old and are residents of Henanigala.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the leopard was killed by a gunshot or another weapon.
The leopard was approximately six feet long. The suspects were initially apprehended in the Kahapalam area of Maduru Oya National Park while carrying the skinned leopard. The Henanigala Wildlife Range Officer confirmed that a large-scale search operation is underway to locate the fugitives, who have also fled their village.
One of the suspects has been identified as an army deserter. The range officer stated that once the suspects are re-arrested, they will be brought before the Dehiattakandiya Magistrate's Court. The three men are all between 30 and 40 years old and are residents of Henanigala.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the leopard was killed by a gunshot or another weapon.
