The tusk had been taken off an elephant known as Mahesakya yesterday in Kebethigollawa while he was lying injured. The poaches, have used an axe to remove the tusk
The elephant, about 40 years old, had been injured after a confrontation with another elephant and was being treated for his injuries by the Department of Wildlife Conservation office in Anuradhapura.
The animal had been lying on a side because he was being treated for his injuries and had been immobile.
A wildlife official said in a situation like this normally, the range is informed and they keep a watch on the elephant but the attack had happened when no one had been near the animal.
A group of people are likely to have been involved in the attack.
Kebitigolawa Police are trying to find the culprits with the assistance of sniffer dogs since the assailants have left some parts of the accessories used to mutilate the elephant.
