Police in Sri Lanka have arrested three men for allegedly setting a wild elephant on fire with torches while trying to chase it away from a village in the country’s north, local media report.

A video of the incident circulated on social media this week, sparking widespread outrage. Despite receiving veterinary treatment, the male elephant died on Tuesday from severe burns and a gunshot wound to its leg.

The suspects, aged 42 to 50, were arrested on Thursday, local sources said.

Incident and Public Reaction

The elephant had reportedly been treated multiple times earlier this year for injuries. Its death has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights advocates and the general public.

A petition demanding prosecution of the perpetrators and stronger measures to prevent similar acts of cruelty has already gathered over 400 signatures.

“This act of cruelty is unacceptable. Elephants are sacred and should be protected,” commented one social media user.

Elephants in Sri Lanka

Elephants are considered sacred in Sri Lanka, a predominantly Buddhist country. Domesticated elephants often participate in religious ceremonies and serve as tourist attractions.

Killing an elephant in Sri Lanka is a serious offence that can carry the death penalty, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Rising Human-Elephant Conflicts

However, encounters between humans and elephants have become increasingly deadly. Nearly 400 elephants have died in 2025, many due to human actions, including shootings, train accidents, and the use of “jaw bombs” — explosive bait used by farmers to protect crops.

Elephant attacks have also claimed the lives of over 100 people this year, highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the country.