Student who films elephant cruelty complains of injustice

 

 A university student who filmed a shocking incident of wild elephant cruelty in the Sippikulam–Ambagahawela area of the Mihintale Police Division in Anuradhapura is facing serious difficulties after wildlife officers seized his mobile phone and have yet to return it, relatives said.

The student recorded the incident to expose the abuse of a wild elephant, which was allegedly set on fire with torches by a group of individuals. The video later brought the incident to public attention.

According to family members, the mobile phone remains in the custody of wildlife authorities, despite repeated requests for its return. They claim the continued seizure has placed the student’s education at risk, as the device contains essential lecture notes, academic data and personal documents needed for university examinations scheduled in January.

The student has reportedly informed wildlife officials that the phone is vital for his studies. However, the delay in returning it has caused him significant mental distress, relatives said.