Will Vantara Ensure a Safe and Dignified Return for Elephant Madhuri?

New Delhi, Aug 6 (NationPress) Following extensive public protests and political involvement regarding the 36-year-old elephant Mahadevi, popularly known as Madhuri, the Vantara wildlife rehabilitation facility announced on Wednesday its commitment to facilitate her safe and dignified return, pending legal approval.

Mahadevi, a female elephant, had resided at the Swastishree Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Sansthan Math, a Jain mutt, in Nandani village, Karvir, Kolhapur district for over three decades.

In July, following a Supreme Court order, she was moved to Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center managed by Anant Ambani, the son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, and backed by Reliance Industries Limited and Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

According to an official statement from Vantara, "Subject to the Court’s approval, we will provide comprehensive technical and veterinary support for her safe and dignified return."

This announcement comes on the heels of thousands of protesters in Kolhapur advocating for her return to the shrine.

The demonstrators also boycotted Reliance Group’s Jio mobile service and marched for 45 kilometers from the shrine to Kolhapur city on Sunday, garnering support from politicians across various parties.

On Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis convened a meeting with representatives from all political parties and officials, stating that the state government intends to file a review petition in the Supreme Court to facilitate the return of the 36-year-old elephant to Kolhapur District.

Vantara acknowledged the profound religious and cultural significance that Madhuri represents for both the Jain Matha and the citizens of Kolhapur, clarifying that it was acting strictly in accordance with the directives issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court.

“The decision to relocate Madhuri was made under judicial authority, and Vantara’s role was to provide care, veterinary assistance, and housing as an independent rescue and rehabilitation facility.

“At no point did Vantara initiate or suggest the relocation, nor was there any intention to disrupt religious practices or sentiments,” read the official statement.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Vantara has proposed to create a satellite rehabilitation center for Madhuri in the Nandani area of Kolhapur, in close collaboration with the Jain Matha and the State Government.

The center will feature a specialized hydrotherapy pond for joint and muscular relief, a larger water body for swimming and natural movement, and a laser therapy and treatment room for physical rehabilitation, among other facilities aimed at enhancing the health of elephants.

Vantara also conveyed its “Michhami Dukkadam — sincere regret” if the situation, executed purely under court directions, has caused any distress to the Jain community or the people of Kolhapur.