Kolhapur Rises for Mahadevi: On August 3, 2025, the city of Kolhapur witnessed an extraordinary silent protest as thousands of people gathered to demand the return of Mahadevi, a 36-year-old female elephant. This massive march was not just a protest but an emotional outcry from the people who consider Mahadevi not just an animal but a spiritual symbol deeply connected to their cultural and religious heritage. The march was aimed at bringing her back from Vantara, a wildlife rescue and care facility located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Vantara is a conservation project initiated by Anant Ambani, supported by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation. However, the relocation of Mahadevi to this facility has stirred widespread public anger in Kolhapur and neighboring regions.
Kolhapur Rises for Mahadevi: The 45 KM Silent March: A United Stand
The silent march was led by Raju Shetty, former Member of Parliament and ex-president of the Swabhimani Kisan Sangathan. Starting from Nandani at 5 a.m., thousands of people marched for nearly 12 hours, covering a distance of 45 kilometers before reaching the Kolhapur District Collectorate at 5:45 p.m. An official appeal was submitted demanding Mahadevi’s immediate return.
“This is not just about an elephant; this is about our faith, our culture, and the injustice done to our Math,” said Raju Shetty while addressing the crowd. Over 30,000 people from Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara districts participated in the protest, making it one of the largest public demonstrations in recent times.
Boycott of Jio and PETA Allegations
The anger towards Reliance Group spilled over to its telecom arm, Jio. Within just four days of the protest, more than 1.5 lakh mobile users reportedly ported out of Jio networks as a mark of protest. The movement is also spreading to parts of North Karnataka where similar demonstrations are being planned.
Raju Shetty accused PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) of acting in favor of Anant Ambani’s interests, alleging that PETA’s actions were part of a larger conspiracy to take control of elephants belonging to religious institutions. He announced plans to approach PETA’s head office in the United States to request the cancellation of their operating license in India.
Legal Battle Over Mahadevi’s Custody
The legal battle concerning Mahadevi’s transfer has been ongoing for several months. On July 16, 2025, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition that challenged her relocation to Vantara. Mahadevi had been under the care of a Jain Math since 1992, but reports suggested that she had been living in poor conditions and was suffering from multiple health issues.
Medical assessments revealed that Mahadevi was dealing with severe foot rot and psychological trauma. Despite the math’s claims of improvement, the court found the evidence insufficient and inconsistent. Due to her spiritual significance, the decision to move her triggered a wave of emotional reactions from local devotees who considered her an integral part of their religious practices.
Vantara’s Response to Public Concerns
On the same day as the march, Vantara released an official statement to clear the air surrounding Mahadevi’s transfer. They clarified that the decision to relocate Mahadevi was made by the High-Powered Committee (HPC) appointed by the Bombay High Court, not by Vantara or its promoters.
PETA had been monitoring Mahadevi’s health since 2022, documenting her injuries and deteriorating condition. In October 2023, PETA reported serious wounds and mental stress. Vantara’s statement highlighted that Mahadevi had been transported illegally several times between Maharashtra and Telangana from 2012 to 2023, often used in public processions without valid permits. A Wildlife Offense case was also registered against her mahout for using banned tools like metal ankushes to control her during events.
Also read: Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant को वापस लाने के लिए कोल्हापुर में जनआंदोलन
Focus on Elephant Welfare Over Traditions
A veterinary inspection conducted by the government in August 2023 found open wounds and signs of neglect on Mahadevi’s body. Dr. Rakesh Chittora, a wildlife veterinarian, strongly recommended her hospitalization and rehabilitation at a specialized facility like Vantara, citing the mahout’s lack of knowledge in providing proper care.
Initially, the HPC had given the math a three-month period from June 2024 to improve Mahadevi’s condition. However, inspections in June and November 2024 revealed no significant improvements. Consequently, on December 27, 2024, the HPC ordered her transfer to RKTEWT in Jamnagar. Both the Bombay High Court and later the Supreme Court upheld this decision, emphasizing that the welfare of the elephant was more important than traditional practices.
Also read: Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant को वापस लाने के लिए कोल्हापुर में जनआंदोलन
Political and Public Pressure Continues
Despite the legal rulings, the public sentiment in Kolhapur remains defiant. BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik appealed to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to intervene and facilitate Mahadevi’s return, citing the spiritual connection of the elephant with the Jain Math. Maharashtra’s Health Minister Prakash Abitkar also mentioned that Vantara officials have assured cooperation in finding a resolution that respects public emotions.
Vantara reiterated that they had no role in initiating Mahadevi’s relocation and were named as the recipient purely because of their capability to provide expert elephant care. They expressed regret over the ongoing misinformation campaigns targeting their team and supporters, which, according to them, undermines faith in the judicial process.