A government officer has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the shooting of the elephant known as Kawantissa, the Ministry of Environment said.

According to Police, the suspect is a Skills Development Officer attached to the Ehetuwewa Divisional Secretariat.

The arrest was made during a joint raid conducted by wildlife officials and officers of the Walana Central Anti-Vice Striking Unit.

Police recovered a 12-bore firearm, a cap gun and 24 rounds of ammunition from the suspect’s residence.

Meanwhile, Police said they had also received information suggesting that the suspect had previously shot at another elephant known as Diana.