Police in Sri Lanka have arrested three men for allegedly burning a wild elephant with flaming torches while trying to chase it away, local media reported. The male elephant was found with severe burns and a gunshot wound on its leg. It had also been treated by vets on several occasions earlier this year, their coverage added. A video of the incident, which took place in a village in the country's north, triggered fierce backlash as it circulated on social media this week. A petition created on Thursday, demanding prosecution of the perpetrators and measures to prevent similar acts of cruelty, has garnered more than 400 signatures. Killing an elephant in the country is an offence that can carry the death penalty, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Tap the link in BBCNews's to read more about the deadly encounters between humans and elephants in the country. (📸 Getty) #Elephants #SriLanka #BBCNews