Two well-known infamous elephant kidnappers are reported to be roaming around the Minneriya National Park for over several days to capture a baby elephant wildlife sources has said.
One of the smugglers is already facing charges of elephant theft while the other is said to be from Balangoda. The Divaina newspaper reported today that the man had been staying at a hotel in the Kashyapagama area for two months.
Due to this situation, the Wildlife Department has intensified its patrols and the wildlife group was recently attacked by a group including an Army Major General who was disobeying a stop order in the middle of their sanctuary.
A group of Army personnel in two vehicles including Army Major General Mohan Ratnayake in charge of the Anuradhapura operations were alleged with a complaint to the police by the wildlife officer that had obstructed his duties and physical harassments.
Even in such a situation, the wildlife officials have taken steps to keep a close watch on the area on the suspicion that the elephant poachers could create an opportunity by diverting the attention of the wildlife conservationists.
