Reliance group’s animal rescue centre in Gujarat, Vantara issued a statement on Wednesday saying it will support efforts to bring back elephant Madhuri to her original home in Kolhapur. This comes after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he plans for a conversation with the Vantara team about the return of the elephant Madhuri to the Nandani Math.
Madhuri a 36-year-old elephant, also known as Mahadevi, was shifted from Kolhapur’s Nandani Math to Vantara’s facility in Jamnagar recently, following a Bombay High Court order based on a petition from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The elephant was relocated based on court orders citing years of neglect and poor health.
Supreme Court upheld Bombay High Court’s order
The Supreme Court on Monday upheld Bombay High Court’s order and ordered that disturbed elephant Mahadevi (also called Madhuri), who was previously in the custody of Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Sansthan Math (Karvir) at Nandani village, be rehabilitated to a sanctuary.
A Bench consisting of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan upheld an order of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court to provide relief to the 36-year old female elephant Mahadevi who tragically killed the chief priest of the Math in 2017 by repeatedly slamming him against the wall, and who has been kept alone and in chains at the temple since 1992.
Protests in Kolhapur after Madhuri shifted to Vantara
Thousands of people in Kolhapur staged a massive silent march to demand the return of Madhuri aka Mahadevi from Vantara’s wildlife facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Despite the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court upholding the decision to transfer Madhuri to Vantara due to her poor health and welfare concerns, locals insist she should be returned.
Over 30,000 people participated in the 45-kilometer silent march, led by former MP and farm leader Raju Shetty. The protesters also boycotted Jio, Reliance Group’s telecom company, with over 1.5 lakh mobile users switching networks in protest.
Mahadevi is considered sacred by the local Jain community, who have been caring for her since 1992. The elephant has been an integral part of their rituals for over 600 years.
Statement from Vantara
The Vantara team led by Anant Ambani affirmed adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives and stressed that they do not desire custody of Madhuri. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Maharashtra government would approach the top court again. In response, Vantara issued a statement on Wednesday saying it will back any such move.
The statement reads: “Vantara acknowledges the deep religious and cultural significance that Madhuri holds for the Jain Matha and the people of Kolhapur. For decades, she has been an integral part of deep-rooted spiritual practices and community life. We recognise and respect the sentiments of the devotees, the leadership of the Jain Matha, and the wider community who have expressed their concerns and attachment to Madhuri’s presence in Kolhapur.
Vantara’s involvement in this matter has been limited to acting strictly in accordance to the binding directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Hon’ble Bombay High Court. The decision to relocate Madhuri was taken under judicial authority, and Vantara’s role was to provide care, veterinary support, and housing as an independent rescue and rehabilitation centre. At no stage did Vantara initiate or recommend the relocation, nor was there any intent to interfere with religious practice or sentiment.
In alignment with our commitment to lawful conduct, responsible animal care, and community cooperation, Vantara will extend full support to *any application filed by the Jain Matha and the Government of Maharashtra* before the Hon’ble Court requesting Madhuri’s return to Kolhapur. Subject to the Court’s approval, Vantara will provide complete technical and veterinary assistance for her safe and dignified return.”
Vantara to establish a satellite rehabilitation centre for elephant Madhuri
Vantara has also proposed that it will, in coordination with the Jain Math and Government of Maharashtra establish a satellite rehabilitation centre for Madhuri in the Nandani area of Kolhapur. The proposed facility will be developed in accordance to the established animal welfare guidelines, after consultation with experts from the High Powered Committee and consensus of the Matha, while aligned to international best practices in elephant care.
The land for the proposed facility is to be identified in consultation with the Jain Matha and the Government of Maharashtra. Upon receiving the necessary *grants and permissions* Vantara’s expert team is ready to begin implementation in close coordination with relevant authorities.
The proposed centre will include:
Specialised Hydrotherapy Pond for joint and muscular relief
A second, larger water body for swimming and natural movement
Laser therapy and treatment room for physical rehabilitation
Covered night shelter for rest and protection
Lush open space habitat for unrestricted movement without chains
Sand pit for environmental enrichment and natural behaviours
Fully equipped on-site veterinary clinic for 24×7 medical care
Rubberised flooring platform for safe and comfortable resting
Carefully formed mounds of soft sand to support sloped resting positions, aiding recovery from foot rot, relieving pressure from arthritis, and reducing stress on joints
Clarification from Vantara
The Vantara team further said in their statement, “We wish to clarify that this proposal is put forward solely to comply with and facilitate any directive that may be issued by the Hon’ble Court regarding Madhuri’s future care, in accordance with international standards. It is not intended for any credit or recognition of Vantara. Moreover, this is a recommendation, not a binding or imposed condition. We remain fully open and respectful to any alternative proposal the Jain Matha may wish to put forward, in accordance with the final directions of the Hon’ble Court.
If our involvement, despite being carried out solely under court directions, has caused any distress to the Jain community or the people of Kolhapur, we express our sincere regret. Michhami Dukkadam—if any hurt was caused through thought, word, or deed, knowingly or unknowingly, we seek your forgiveness.”
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