Kolhapur Rises for Mahadevi: Thousands Join Silent March Demanding Elephant's Return From Vantara

On August 3, 2025, Kolhapur saw a large silent protest as thousands demanded the return of Mahadevi, a 36-year-old elephant. The protest aimed to bring her back from Vantara's wildlife facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Vantara is an initiative by Anant Ambani, supported by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation.

The march was led by Raju Shetty, former president of Swabhimani Kisan Sangathan and ex-MP. Starting at 5 a.m. from Nandani, it ended at the Kolhapur District Collectorate by 5:45 p.m., where an appeal was submitted. "We covered 45 km today," Shetty stated.

Protest Against Jio

Over 30,000 people from Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara participated in the protest. They also boycotted Jio, Reliance Group's telecom company. In just four days, over 1.5 lakh mobile users switched networks in protest. Similar protests are planned for north Karnataka.

Mr. Shetty accused PETA of acting in Anant Ambani's interests to seize temple elephants. He called it a conspiracy and plans to file a complaint with PETA's U.S. head office to cancel their Indian licence.

Legal Battle Over Mahadevi

The Bombay High Court dismissed a petition on July 16, 2025, challenging Mahadevi's transfer to Vantara. The elephant had been owned by a Jain math since 1992 but was reportedly kept in poor conditions despite medical issues.

Reports showed Mahadevi suffered from foot rot and psychological distress. Despite claims of health improvement by the math, the court found these inconsistent with evidence. Her transfer sparked local resentment due to her spiritual significance.

Vantara's Statement

On August 3, Vantara issued a statement addressing misinformation about Mahadevi's transfer from Kolhapur to their facility. PETA had tracked her condition since 2022 and reported serious injuries and trauma in October 2023.

The statement highlighted that Mahadevi was transported multiple times without proper permissions between Maharashtra and Telangana from 2012 to 2023. A Wildlife Offence was registered against her mahout for illegal use during public processions.

Concerns Over Elephant Welfare

Vantara's statement detailed how Mahadevi was used commercially for processions and begging. Children sat on her trunk; she was controlled with banned tools like metal ankushes. The math even auctioned pooja opportunities with her.

A government veterinary team inspected Mahadevi on August 12, 2023, finding open wounds and signs of distress. Dr Rakesh Chittora recommended hospitalisation and rehabilitation due to inadequate care knowledge by the mahout.

Court Decisions

The HPC initially gave the math three months from June 2024 to improve Mahadevi's condition but found only superficial changes during follow-ups in June and November 2024. On December 27, 2024, they ordered her relocation to RKTEWT in Jamnagar.

The Bombay High Court upheld this decision on July 16 after hearing the case thoroughly; prioritising animal welfare over religious customs. The Supreme Court supported this ruling on July 28; directing transfer within two weeks.

Public Reaction

BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik requested Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav for Mahadevi's return amid public outcry over her spiritual importance at the Jain math.

State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar mentioned Vantara executives assured full cooperation towards resolving this issue following widespread discontent among locals regarding her relocation.

Vantara clarified that they played no role in initiating or seeking Mahadevi’s transfer; they were named recipient solely based on their capability for elephant welfare by HPC authorities who carried out orders accordingly without promoter family involvement at any stage whatsoever throughout proceedings involved here too!

"It is regrettable that despite full legal closure," said Vantara’s statement further adding how unfairly vilified supporters have been through ongoing misinformation campaigns undermining public faith judicial processes altogether now more than ever before perhaps even so much so now too!