The Mahadevi elephant news story has taken a dramatic turn as thousands of people gathered in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, to demand the return of elephant Mahadevi, also known as Madhuri, from the Vantara wildlife rehabilitation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The silent rally, which took place on August 3, 2025, witnessed an overwhelming turnout as emotions ran high among locals who see Madhuri not just as an elephant, but as a beloved symbol of their cultural and spiritual identity.
Silent Rally in Kolhapur: A March of Sentiments
The protest march began at 5 a.m. from Nandani village, led by former Swabhimani Kisan Sangathan president and ex-MP Raju Shetty. Covering a distance of 45 kilometers, the march concluded at the Kolhapur District Collectorate by 5.45 p.m., where a formal appeal was submitted to the authorities. The rally was a peaceful yet powerful display of public sentiment, with over 30,000 people joining from Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara districts.
In a unique move, protestors also announced a boycott of Jio, the telecom company under Reliance Industries Limited. According to Mr. Shetty, more than 1.5 lakh mobile users in Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara had ported out of Jio in the past four days as a mark of protest. He added that similar protests were being planned in North Karnataka, where temple elephants hold religious importance. “A crucial court hearing is scheduled tomorrow in Bengaluru,” Mr. Shetty informed.
Vantara, Ambani, and the Controversy
Vantara, the wildlife care facility where Madhuri was relocated, is a brainchild of Anant Ambani, son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani. Supported by Reliance Industries and the Reliance Foundation, Vantara aims to provide world-class rehabilitation to rescued wildlife. However, the Mahadevi elephant news controversy erupted when locals claimed that the elephant was forcibly taken away despite her deep emotional bond with the community.
Mr. Shetty alleged that organizations like PETA, acting under Anant Ambani’s influence, are conspiring to seize temple elephants across India. He announced plans to file a complaint with PETA’s headquarters in the United States and seek cancellation of their license in India. “This is a tactic to seize beautiful elephants like Mahadevi. She was in tears when taken away. Even though Vantara already has over 200 elephants, they wanted her because of her beauty,” Mr. Shetty said.
Over two lakh signatures have already been collected across Kolhapur, demanding Madhuri’s return, showcasing the massive public support for the cause.
Bombay High Court’s Decision and Health Concerns
The Bombay High Court had earlier, on July 16, 2025, dismissed a petition by the Jain math in Kolhapur which sought to halt Madhuri’s transfer to Vantara. The court noted that the elephant had been kept in solitary confinement and continued to be used for religious processions despite her declining health. Expert reports pointed out that Madhuri was suffering from foot rot, ulcerated wounds, overgrown toenails, and signs of severe psychological distress.
Although the math submitted health certificates claiming improvements in Madhuri’s condition, the court found these documents inconsistent and lacking credibility when compared with photographic and veterinary evidence. Despite the legal justification for her relocation, the emotional connection between Madhuri and the local devotees remains a sensitive issue.
Political Reactions and Efforts for Resolution
The Mahadevi elephant news issue has not only stirred public emotions but also attracted political attention. BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik recently submitted a formal request to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, seeking intervention for Madhuri’s return. In response, Maharashtra State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar stated that Vantara officials had assured their full cooperation in finding a balanced resolution that respects both legal and emotional aspects.
Vantara’s Clarification on the Transfer
In a statement issued to The Hindu on August 3, Vantara addressed the growing misinformation surrounding Madhuri’s transfer. The organization explained that PETA had been monitoring the elephant’s deteriorating health since 2022. On October 31, 2023, PETA submitted a comprehensive complaint to the High Powered Committee of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, including photographs, medical reports, and evidence of illegal commercial usage of the elephant.
Vantara clarified that the relocation was done purely out of concern for Madhuri’s well-being and that the facility is dedicated to providing the highest standards of care to rescued wildlife. They emphasized that the move was carried out under the supervision of legal authorities and based on multiple expert recommendations.
A Battle Between Emotions and Welfare
The Mahadevi elephant news case has now become a symbol of the delicate balance between cultural sentiments and animal welfare regulations. While organizations like Vantara focus on providing advanced healthcare to distressed animals, the local community in Kolhapur sees Madhuri as a sacred part of their traditions, whose absence feels like an emotional void.
As legal proceedings continue and public protests intensify, all eyes are now on the authorities to find a solution that honors both the elephant’s health and the sentiments of the people who have loved and cared for her for decades.
Mahadevi elephant news Transfer and the Real Story Behind It
The story of Madhuri, the beloved elephant from Kolhapur (also known as Mahadevi), has become a national headline, creating waves of public emotion, protests, and debates across Maharashtra. The recent transfer of Madhuri to the Vantara sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has been widely associated with the Ambani family’s philanthropic wildlife project. However, the Madhuri Elephant News reveals a deeper and more complex story that is often overshadowed by social media narratives.
A History of Illegal Transfers and Wildlife Violations
According to official records, Madhuri the elephant had been transported illegally multiple times between 2012 and 2023. She was shifted 13 times from Maharashtra to Telangana without proper permissions from the Forest Department. This continuous transportation not only violated wildlife laws but also exposed Madhuri to severe stress and poor living conditions.
On January 8, 2023, the Telangana Forest Department registered a Wildlife Offense against B. Ismail, the elephant’s mahout. The charges were under Sections 48A and 54 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, for unlawfully using Madhuri in a public procession. Though the offense was later compounded after a payment of ₹25,000, it was seen as an admission of guilt. Custody of the elephant was then returned to a local handler in Kolhapur.
Exploitation and Mistreatment of Madhuri Elephant
Photographs and reports documented disturbing instances of Madhuri being exploited for commercial purposes. She was used in public processions, including Muharram celebrations, forced to beg on streets, and paraded during religious events. In some cases, children were made to sit in her trunk for entertainment, and she was controlled using a banned metal ankush, a cruel and painful tool.
One of the most shocking revelations was the auctioning of the opportunity to perform Pooja with Madhuri. This monetization of religious sentiments raised serious ethical and legal concerns. Moreover, in 2017, Madhuri fatally injured the head priest of the Mutt, raising alarming safety issues for the public and caretakers alike.
Medical Inspections and the Decision for Relocation
On August 12, 2023, after receiving a letter from local police, a team of government veterinary doctors inspected Madhuri. Their findings were heartbreaking. Madhuri had open wounds, was lame, had thinning footpads, and showed signs of severe mental distress. A subsequent report by Dr. Rakesh Chittora from Animal Rahat in October 2023 recommended immediate hospitalization and long-term rehabilitation. He also noted that the mahout lacked even the basic knowledge required for elephant care.
Despite these reports, the temple authorities were given a final opportunity of three months from June 2024 to improve Madhuri’s condition. However, follow-up inspections in June and November 2024 revealed only superficial changes. Madhuri’s health continued to deteriorate.
Finally, on December 27, 2024, the High-Powered Committee (HPC) passed an order directing Madhuri’s relocation to the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT) in Jamnagar. The facility is a part of the Vantara project, known for its natural enclosures, expert veterinary care, and socialization opportunities for elephants.
Ambani’s Vantara: A Passive Recipient, Not the Decision-Maker
It is important to clarify that Vantara, despite being associated with the Ambani family, played no role in initiating or seeking Madhuri’s transfer. The HPC named Vantara as the recipient solely because of its infrastructure, expertise, and track record in elephant welfare. The promoter family, who supports Vantara philanthropically, had no involvement in the court proceedings or operational decisions regarding Madhuri.
Also read: Kolhapur Rises for Mahadevi: Thousands Demand Return of Beloved Elephant from Vantara
Court Verdicts and Legal Closure
The temple authorities challenged the relocation order in the Bombay High Court, which, after a detailed hearing, dismissed their petition on July 16, 2025. The court emphasized that Madhuri’s welfare should be prioritized over religious customs and traditions. The matter was further taken to the Supreme Court of India, which upheld the Bombay High Court’s ruling on July 28, 2025, directing that Madhuri be transferred within two weeks. The case is now listed for compliance reporting on August 11, 2025.
Also read: Exploring Nandani village Kolhapur: History, Temples, and the Madhuri Elephant Movement
Vantara’s Official Stand Amidst Public Misinformation
Following the legal closure of the case, Vantara issued a detailed statement. They clarified that the transfer was carried out strictly under judicial and regulatory directions. They expressed disappointment over the misinformation campaigns that were targeting Vantara and its supporters unfairly. The statement stressed that in a lawful society, respecting the final ruling of the highest courts is essential, and undermining such decisions erodes public faith in the judiciary.
Vantara reiterated its commitment to ethical and lawful animal care, emphasizing that their role was purely to provide a safe and scientifically managed environment for elephants like Madhuri, as per court directives.