03/08/2025
On August 3, 2025, over 30,000 people from Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara participated in a 45-km silent protest march demanding the return of 36-year-old elephant Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri) from the Vantara Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The march, led by former MP Raju Shetty, culminated at the Kolhapur District Collectorate, where a formal appeal was submitted. Protesters also launched a boycott of Reliance Jio, claiming that over 1.5 lakh users have switched networks in response to the issue.
The elephant was relocated following a July 16 order from the Bombay High Court, which upheld the findings of a High Powered Committee (HPC) formed by the Ministry of Environment. The committee’s report highlighted Mahadevi's poor health, solitary confinement, repeated unlawful transfers across states, and commercial exploitation for religious events, processions, and even Muharram celebrations. Despite counter-claims from the Jain mutt that owned her, the court ruled the evidence clearly pointed to long-term abuse and neglect. The decision was further upheld by the Supreme Court on July 28.
Vantara, clarified that it did not seek Mahadevi's transfer and only accepted the elephant based on the HPC’s recommendation due to its proven animal welfare infrastructure. It criticized the ongoing protests as being driven by misinformation and politicized narratives.
While locals argue the elephant holds cultural and spiritual significance, the judiciary has prioritized animal welfare, citing serious health risks and systemic mistreatment. The next legal update is expected during a compliance hearing on August 11.
