Thousands March in Silent Rally in Kolhapur, Demanding Return of Elephant Mahadevi by NGO Vantara
On August 3, 2025, thousands of people marched in a silent rally in Kolhapur to demand the return of 36-year-old female elephant Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri) from Vantara wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The protest, led by former MP Raju Shetty, began in Nandani and ended with a memorandum submitted at the collectorate, expressing the community’s deep emotional and spiritual bond with Mahadevi.
Why Was Mahadevi Relocated?
Mahadevi had lived for over three decades at the Shri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Jain Math in Nandani. In July 2025, following a Bombay High Court order—later upheld by the Supreme Court—she was moved to Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust due to concerns about her deteriorating health and psychological suffering. These concerns were raised by an NGO in coordination with the Maharashtra Forest Department and reviewed by the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee (HPC).
Community Response and Protest Details
The march saw cross-party support and participation from local leaders and citizens, with more than 2 lakh signatures collected for Mahadevi’s return to her original home.
Protesters, including former MP Raju Shetty and MLC Satej Patil, said Mahadevi was “in tears” when taken away and emphasized her symbolic and sacred presence at the math.
In a unique form of protest, several locals reportedly began porting their mobile numbers from Jio as a symbolic gesture opposing her relocation.
Memoranda to both state and national authorities—including the President’s office—have been submitted seeking Mahadevi’s return.
Vantara’s Stand
Vantara clarified that the transfer was conducted solely in compliance with the court’s binding orders and out of concern for Mahadevi’s wellbeing. The facility stated it was not the initiator but the designated caretaker acting for Mahadevi’s health, offering her hydrotherapy, expert veterinary care, and socialization with other elephants. The management acknowledged the elephant’s spiritual significance to the Kolhapur community and expressed respect for public sentiments.
Mahadevi’s Wellbeing
At Vantara, Mahadevi receives specialized care for foot rot, arthritis, overgrown toenails, and the stereotypic behaviors caused by long-term solitary captivity. The HPC and animal welfare experts deemed the relocation necessary for her psychological and physical recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) A
Q1: Who is Mahadevi and why is she significant to Kolhapur?
Mahadevi is a 36-year-old female elephant who spent over 30 years at a Jain math in Nandani, Kolhapur, becoming a figure of spiritual and emotional importance for the community.
Q2: Why was Mahadevi moved to Vantara?
She was relocated following court orders, after experts raised concerns about her deteriorating health and need for rehabilitation.
Q3: Who led the Kolhapur silent rally?
Former MP Raju Shetty, along with other leaders and thousands of citizens, led the protest from Nandani to the district collectorate.
Q4: What are the protesters demanding?
They want Mahadevi brought back from Vantara and returned to her home at the Jain math in Kolhapur.
Q5: What is Vantara’s explanation for keeping Mahadevi?
Vantara states they are acting according to court orders for the elephant’s health, not on their own initiative, and are committed to her welfare.
Published on: August 4, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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