Elephant Mahadevi May Return to Kolhapur as Vantara Joins Legal Effort: Devendra Fadnavis
Elephant Mahadevi, also known as Madhuri, may soon return to her long-time home in Kolhapur’s Jain Math as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Vantara, the animal rehabilitation centre run by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, has agreed to support the state’s legal efforts for her return.
Fadnavis confirmed via a post on X that he met with senior officials from Vantara in Mumbai and held detailed discussions about the elephant’s future. The officials conveyed that they had no intention of keeping Mahadevi at the facility and were only acting in accordance with a Supreme Court directive.
“They have assured me that Vantara will join the petition the Maharashtra Government plans to file, seeking the safe return of the elephant Mahadevi (Madhuri) to Nandani Math,” wrote Fadnavis.
He further added that Vantara expressed full willingness to cooperate in setting up a new rehabilitation centre near the Nandani Jain Math in Kolhapur, where Mahadevi had lived for over 30 years.
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Vantara’s Assurance
In a formal statement, Vantara acknowledged the emotional and religious importance Mahadevi holds for the Jain community in Kolhapur. It reiterated that its role in the relocation was strictly under legal orders and emphasized its commitment to ethical animal care and community cooperation.
“Subject to the Hon’ble Court’s approval, we will provide all necessary technical and veterinary support for Madhuri’s safe and respectful return,” the statement said.
The facility also proposed collaborating with the Jain Math and the Maharashtra government to build a state-of-the-art satellite elephant rehabilitation centre in Nandani. The proposed centre includes advanced amenities like:
- Hydrotherapy pond for joint pain
- Natural swimming area
- Laser therapy room
- Open, chain-free habitat
- 24×7 veterinary care
- Rubberized resting platforms
- Specialized sand mounds for arthritic relief
Public Sentiment Behind the Move
Public anger had surged after Mahadevi was moved from the Jain shrine to Vantara following a Supreme Court order. Many devotees and local residents had expressed deep emotional distress, considering the elephant a part of their spiritual tradition.
CM Fadnavis had earlier acknowledged the growing unrest and assured the public that the government would step in legally. A review petition is now being prepared by the Jain shrine, while the state plans to file an intervention application.
Also read: Why Are There Protests Over Mahadevi Elephant Rescue Despite Supreme Court Order?
Background on the Controversy
Mahadevi, a 36-year-old female elephant, had lived at the Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswamy Sanstha in Kolhapur since 1992. In 2023, animal rights group PETA raised concerns about her deteriorating health, claiming she suffered from arthritis and stress due to poor living conditions.
A court-appointed team confirmed her health issues, leading the Bombay High Court—and later the Supreme Court—to order her relocation to Vantara for better care. She was moved on July 28, 2025, amid an emotional farewell from Kolhapur.
The move, however, triggered widespread protests. Several Jain community members alleged that religious sentiments were being hurt. Social media saw campaigns and hashtags demanding Mahadevi’s return, and there were even calls to boycott Jio services in protest against Reliance’s involvement.
What’s Next?
Now, with Vantara willing to support Mahadevi’s return and assist in developing a proper rehabilitation facility near her original home, the final decision rests with the Supreme Court.
CM Fadnavis has assured that the Maharashtra government will extend full legal and logistical support to make the transition smooth, provided the court grants approval.
As the case awaits judicial review, millions across Maharashtra continue to hope for Mahadevi’s safe journey back to where she belongs.
