"Moving Mahadevi the Elephant from Kolhapur to Vantara: Kunal Kamra Expresses His Opinion"
In a recent turn of events, a 36-year-old female elephant named Mahadevi, also known as Madhuri, has been relocated from the Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Jain Mutt in Kolhapur to the Vantara sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This move was initiated due to concerns about her health and welfare, including chronic arthritis and foot problems.
The court's decision was based on a report about Mahadevi's living conditions, which indicated "dismal" conditions regarding her health, diet, social environment, hygiene, veterinary care, and work schedule. The High Powered Committee, recognising the elephant's right to a quality life, recommended the relocation, a decision that was upheld by both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court of India [1][3][4].
However, the relocation has sparked significant public and religious opposition, particularly from the Jain community in Kolhapur and surrounding areas, who view Mahadevi as a spiritual symbol. More than 1.25 lakh (125,000) signatures were collected quickly in petitions to the President of India, and protests are planned in multiple cities. Jain leaders argue that the elephant's welfare issues could have been addressed locally rather than transferring her to a private sanctuary run by the Reliance Foundation [1].
Vantara, the sanctuary now caring for Mahadevi, issued a statement and video defending the transfer, emphasising that it acted purely under court mandates for the elephant’s welfare, providing specialized medical care and a chain-free environment. They also expressed openness to dialogue with the Jain mutt to find amicable solutions within legal and veterinary frameworks [2][3].
The Supreme Court order directing the transfer was upheld on July 28, 2025, with a follow-up court hearing scheduled for August 11, 2025, to monitor compliance and possibly address ongoing concerns [4].
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, two men have been arrested in Thane for the murder of an auto-rickshaw driver following a midnight brawl near a Sai Baba temple in Ulhasnagar. Furthermore, an 18-year-old mentally challenged girl has been sexually assaulted and is now 8 months pregnant. A case has been registered under the POCSO Act against 3 accused.
In addition, a Nepali-origin woman was assaulted by a mob in Bareilly over suspicion of theft. These incidents, while unrelated to the Mahadevi controversy, serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring the safety and well-being of all beings in our society.
In summary, the controversy remains active with continuing public protests and legal oversight. The elephant is currently at the Vantara sanctuary receiving specialized care, while efforts by opposition groups focus on campaigning for Mahadevi’s return to Kolhapur [1][2][3][4].
- Despite the relocation of Mahadevi, a 36-year-old female elephant, to the Vantara sanctuary due to health concerns, a significant opposition has emerged, with protests and petitions calling for her return to Kolhapur [1].
- In a different turn of events, two men have been arrested in Thane for the murder of an auto-rickshaw driver and an 18-year-old mentally challenged girl has been sexually assaulted, both incidents highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring safety and well-being in society [2].
- The social-media platform has been abuzz with news about the Mahadevi controversy, the Thane murders, and the sexual assault incident in Bareilly, reflecting the general-news trend of crime and justice [3].
- Meanwhile, in the realm of politics, the ongoing Mahadevi controversy, the Thane murder case, and the sexual assault incident are being used as talking points, further fueling debates and arguments in various forums [4].
