Sri Lanka, Nov. 4 -- The Sigiriya Police assured that legal action will be taken against a mahout accused of brutally assaulting a tourist safari elephant named Rani in Sigiriya, after video footage of the incident circulated on social media.

The mahout was seen beating the elephant whilst attempting to force the animal to carry tourists on a safari, according to the Animal Welfare Collective.

A formal complaint was subsequently lodged with the Sigiriya Police.

The Sigiriya Police confirmed receiving the complaint and assured that officers will arrest the suspect and produce him before court, the Animal Welfare Collective said.

The organisation called for stricter government regulations on elephant safaris and tourism use, stressing t...