Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had discussions with the high-ranking authorities at the Reliance Foundation’s Vantara animal rescue facility in Jamnagar regarding the transfer to Kolhapur of the elephant Mahadevi (Madhuri).
Devendra Fadnavis discusses Mahadevi’s return
The representatives of Vantara assured that they shall extend their full cooperation to the Government of Maharashtra in legal procedures, clarifying to the state that Vantara is only caring for the 36-year-old elephant in this instance under Supreme Court orders and has no intention of keeping her.
“They have agreed to join the petition Maharashtra will file to secure Mahadevi’s safe return to Nandani Math,” Fadnavis posted on ex-Xing.
I had an extensive discussion with The Vantara team today in Mumbai. Good news is that they assured me that they are happy to join Maharashtra Government’s petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the smooth passage of the elephant 🐘 ‘Madhuri’ back to the Math.
Vantara told… pic.twitter.com/X75AsYrOIb— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 6, 2025
State to assist shrine in legal action
Concerned citizens have assured Fadnavis that his government would intervene with the Nandani Math Jain shrine in filing a review petition in the Supreme Court along with an application for intervention therein.
“During the discussion, they informed me that they were only complying with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and had no intention of taking custody of Mahadevi the elephant on their own,” the chief minister added.
A 43-kilometer protest march was held in Kolhapur, calling for the restoration of the elephant Madhuri to the nearby Jain temple. In a nonviolent display of religion and custom, devotees came together.
Kolhapur witnessed a 43 km long protest march demanding the return of elephant Madhuri to the local Jain temple. Devotees united in a peaceful show of faith and tradition. 🐘🙏 #Kolhapur #ElephantMadhuri #JainCommunity #Vantara pic.twitter.com/UQiFUerGMG
— Mukesh Kumar (@ermukeshkv) August 6, 2025
Vantara has also expressed its willingness to assist the state in setting up a separate rehabilitation center for Mahadevi adjacent to the shrine in Kolhapur.
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After holding a meeting over the matter on Tuesday, Fadnavis said, “Considering the public sentiments, the state government will intervene in the legal process to bring back the Mahadevi elephant. The Jain shrine will submit a review petition in the Supreme Court, and the state government will help them by submitting an intervention application.”
Following the intervention of animal welfare organizations like PETA and citing her deteriorating health condition, Mahadevi, after her relocation from Nandani Math where she had lived for over 30 years, was officially transferred to Vantara on July 28, following the upholding of the Bombay High Court ruling by the Supreme Court.
ALSO READ: Vantara’s Lifesaving Efforts for Mahadevi Interrupted Amid Calls for Her Return
