In a major development following a Supreme Court ruling and widespread public demonstrations, Reliance Group’s animal rescue initiative Vantara has issued a detailed statement offering full support for the return of 36-year-old elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, to her spiritual home at Nandani Math in Kolhapur.
🐘 Background: Legal and Public Outcry
Madhuri, revered by the local Jain community, was relocated to Vantara’s wildlife care facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, following orders from the Bombay High Court and upheld by the Supreme Court of India. The relocation stemmed from a PETA petition that highlighted years of neglect, chaining, and a 2017 incident where Madhuri tragically killed the Math’s priest.
Despite the legal mandates, public sentiment in Kolhapur erupted. Over 30,000 people joined a 45-kilometre silent march. The protests also triggered a telecom boycott, with more than 1.5 lakh users switching from Jio in protest.
📜 Vantara’s Statement
Led by Anant Ambani, Vantara clarified that the organisation:
- Acted strictly in compliance with court directions
- Did not request or initiate Madhuri’s relocation
- Acknowledges the deep cultural and religious significance of the elephant to Kolhapur’s Jain Matha
“We acted only as per judicial direction. If our involvement has caused any distress, we sincerely regret it. Michhami Dukkadam — we seek forgiveness,” the statement read.
🛖 A New Proposal: Satellite Rehabilitation Centre in Kolhapur
Vantara has offered to establish a satellite rehabilitation facility for Madhuri, in collaboration with the Jain Matha and the Government of Maharashtra.
Proposed Features:
- 🐘 Hydrotherapy Pond for joint pain relief
- 🌊 Swimming Waterbody for exercise
- 💡 Laser Therapy for rehabilitation
- 🛌 Covered Night Shelters for comfort
- 🌿 Lush Open Spaces (chain-free environment)
- 🏖️ Sand Pits for enrichment & stress reduction
- 🏥 24×7 Veterinary Clinic
- 🪵 Rubberised Platforms & Resting Mounds for arthritis and foot rot recovery
“We do not seek credit. This is not a condition, only a recommendation aligned with best welfare practices,” clarified the Vantara team.
🔁 The Road Ahead
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has stated the government will approach the court again. Vantara has committed to fully supporting any application filed by the Jain Matha and the State.
The land for the facility is to be identified in consultation with all stakeholders. Subject to approvals, Vantara is ready to begin technical and veterinary implementation immediately.
📣 Community Reaction & Closing Note
The Vantara statement has received mixed reactions online, with some praising its balanced approach and others still demanding immediate return of the elephant. The sensitive issue now rests in the hands of the Supreme Court, which will decide on the final course of action.
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