Police have made fresh breakthroughs in the investigation into the illegal killing of a pregnant deer inside the Heenugala Reserve in Makulugaswewa, Galewela, uncovering further suspects and unlicensed weapons during questioning.
Dambulla Assistant Superintendent of Police W.G.M.M. Chandrasiri confirmed that one more individual has been arrested as investigations deepened following the initial arrests made on 25 July. Among the first to be apprehended were two police sergeants and a civilian.
Three unlicensed 12-bore firearms were seized during the interrogation process, according to ASP Chandrasiri.
Investigations revealed that two individuals from the Wahakotte area had entered the forest reserve to hunt. Notably, one of them is a brother of a police sergeant currently in service. After the animal was killed, the hunters reportedly sought help from the police officer, fearing exposure as several residents had witnessed the shooting.
In response, the police sergeant—along with a fellow sergeant—allegedly went to the scene to manage the situation. All four suspects were brought to Dambulla Police Station on 26 July, after concerns were raised over their safety if held at the Giranegama Police Station.
Meanwhile, a police jeep driver from the Makulugaswewa station has been admitted to the Galewela Hospital, claiming he was assaulted by angry residents at the time of the incident.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that the pregnant deer had been shot with a 12-bore firearm.
The suspects are now facing multiple charges, including unlawful possession of firearms and the illegal killing of protected wildlife. They are expected to be produced before the Dambulla Magistrate’s Court later today.
