Commenting on reports about the transfer of elephant Mahadevi, or Madhuri, from a Mutt in Kolhapur to Vantara, the latter has reiterated its commitment to lawful, ethical animal care and said that they only acted in accordance with judicial and regulatory directives. Vantara said they played no role in initiating or seeking the transfer of the animal and had been named as a recipient solely on the basis of its capability and track record in elephant welfare.
PETA Complaint Highlighted Years of Exploitation
PETA, an animal welfare organisation, which had been tracking the elephant’s condition since 2022, submitted a detailed complaint on October 31, 2023, to the High Powered Committee (HPC) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The complaint annexed photographs, veterinary reports, and records pointing to serious physical injuries and psychological trauma suffered by the elephant, along with evidence of her commercial and illegal use.
Repeated Transport and Legal Violations
The elephant had been transported 13 times from Maharashtra to Telangana between 2012 and 2023, often without proper forest department permissions. On January 8, 2023, the Telangana Forest Department registered Wildlife Offence POR No. 12-07/2022-23 under Sections 48A and 54 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, against B Ismail, the elephant’s mahout, for using her in a public procession unlawfully. The offence was later compounded upon payment of Rs 25,000 an admission of guilt and custody was returned to a local handler in Kolhapur.
Commercial Exploitation Documented Over Years
Reports and photographs documented that the elephant was being used commercially. She was sent for public processions including Muharram, used for begging, and publicly paraded. Children were made to sit in her trunk, and she was subjected to control with the banned metal ankush. In one of the more shocking practices, the Mutt was reportedly auctioning the opportunity to perform pooja with the elephant, effectively monetising access to her. In 2017, the elephant had also fatally injured the head priest of the Mutt, raising long-standing safety concerns. On August 12, 2023, following a letter from the local police, a team of government veterinary doctors inspected the elephant and reported open wounds, lameness, footpad thinning, and signs of mental distress. On October 20, 2023, Dr Rakesh Chittora of Animal Rahat submitted a medical report recommending hospitalisation and rehabilitation, noting that the mahout lacked basic knowledge of elephant care.
Regulatory Inquiry and Final Relocation Order
Based on these reports, the HPC initiated an inquiry but initially gave the Mutt a 3-month opportunity from June 2024 to improve the elephant’s condition. Follow-up inspections in June and November 2024 showed that serious medical and welfare issues persisted. On December 27, 2024, the HPC passed an order directing that the elephant be relocated to Vantara Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar, a facility with natural enclosures, veterinary care, socialisation opportunities, and trained elephant keepers.
Courts Prioritised Animal Welfare Over Custom
The Mutt challenged the decision before the Bombay High Court, which dismissed their petition on July 16, 2025. The court found the HPC’s decision justified and prioritised the elephant’s welfare over religious customs. The Supreme Court of India upheld this ruling on July 28, 2025, and directed that the elephant be transferred within two weeks. The matter is now listed for compliance reporting on August 11, 2025.
Promoters Not Involved in Day-to-Day Operations
Vantara said that the transfer has since been carried out by the authorities, and they have merely complied with the court’s directions. The promoter family, who support Vantara philanthropically, have no involvement in its daily operations and were not party to the proceedings at any stage. If the Mutt feels it is entitled to the custody of the elephant despite enough proof and final decision of court, it should ask the Supreme Court to give it the elephant, said Vantara.
Vantara Decries Campaign Undermining Judiciary
If the elephant was not transferred, the organisation would be liable for action by contempt of court. It is regrettable that despite full legal closure, a campaign of misinformation is being run to vilify Vantara and its supporters. When the highest courts have heard and decided a matter, continuing to attack a neutral party that has merely followed orders is not only unfair, it undermines public faith in the judicial process. In any lawful society, even an ordinary citizen is expected to accept the authority of a final court ruling. That same standard should apply here, said Vantara in a statement.
