Five suspects have been arrested for illegally hunting a pregnant spotted deer in Wilpattu National Park. 

Wildlife officers arrested the individuals in the Meegasdeniya area of the park, where they discovered the killed deer being prepared for meat.

The officers seized a 12-bore firearm, ammunition, and other equipment used for the crime. 

While one suspect managed to escape, authorities are conducting further investigations to locate and apprehend them. 

The five arrested individuals and the seized items are scheduled to be presented before the Nochchiyagama Magistrate's Court today (28).