Man who went to kiss an elephant was attacked and died

A 41-year-old unmarried man, a resident of Padiyawatta village in the Galkanda area of Opanayake, tragically lost his life on the 9th after being attacked by an elephant that was tied with chains, when he attempted to kiss it.

Opanayake Police confirm that this fatal attack was carried out by an experienced domesticated elephant that had been brought to the area for logging activities, and the severely injured person died at the scene.

Preliminary police investigations have revealed that at a moment when the animal was securely tied with iron chains, the deceased individual approached the elephant without any permission. It is reported that he attempted to kiss the animal, and at that moment, the enraged elephant attacked and trampled him.

It is reported that the individual was heavily under the influence of alcohol at the time of this unfortunate incident. The elephant's mahout has informed the police that this elephant strongly dislikes the smell of alcohol, and this factor may have significantly contributed to the attack.

Preliminary police investigations into the incident were conducted by Sub-Inspector Upul Jayashantha and Police Sergeant (42928) Upul, under the direction of Opanayake Police Station OIC, Police Inspector Amal Keerthi. The inquest into the sudden death was conducted by Pelmadulla Urban Inquirer into Sudden Deaths, Mr. Champali K. Ratnasiri, and the body has been referred to Kahawatta Base Hospital for post-mortem examination.