Vantara will support the Maharashtra government’s petition to return the Mahadevi elephant, Madhuri, to the Nandani Math in Kolhapur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday.
In a post on X, Fadnavis said he held detailed discussions with senior Vantara officials in Mumbai, during which they assured him they would join the state’s legal effort.
“I held a detailed discussion with senior officials of Vantara Management in Mumbai today. They assured me that Vantara has decided to participate in the petition that the Maharashtra government has resolved to file to safely return the Mahadevi elephant (Madhuri) to the Nandani Math,” Fadnavis wrote.
He said Vantara had acted only under the orders of the Supreme Court and had no intention of taking possession of Madhuri. The organisation also expressed its willingness to help set up a rehabilitation centre for the elephant near the Nandani Math, at a location to be decided by the state Forest Department.
Vantara, in an official statement, acknowledged the deep religious and cultural significance Madhuri holds for the Jain Math and the people of Kolhapur. It stressed that its involvement was limited to following binding directions from the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court, adding that it did not initiate or recommend the relocation.
The statement noted that Madhuri has been an integral part of spiritual practices and community life for decades, and the sanctuary respected the sentiments of the devotees and the Math leadership.
“In alignment with our commitment to lawful conduct, responsible animal care, and community cooperation, Vantara will extend full support to any application filed by the Jain Math and the Government of Maharashtra before the Hon’ble Court requesting Madhuri’s return to Kolhapur,” the organisation said.
It pledged to provide complete technical and veterinary assistance for Madhuri’s safe and dignified return, subject to court approval. It will also work with the state government and Jain Math to establish a satellite rehabilitation centre in the Nandani area, built according to animal welfare guidelines and international best practices in elephant care.
The proposed facility’s location will be chosen in consultation with the Guru of the Jain Math and the Maharashtra government. Vantara said its team was ready to begin implementation once the necessary grants and permissions were secured.
“If our involvement, despite being carried out solely under legal instructions, has caused any distress to the Jain community or the people of Kolhapur, we express our sincere regret. Michhami Dukkadam—if any hurt was caused through thought, word, or deed, knowingly or unknowingly, we seek your forgiveness,” the statement read.
Vantara reiterated its commitment to lawful conduct, transparency, animal welfare, and respectful engagement with communities across India, calling for unity “with love for Madhuri at the heart of it all.”
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