Vantara Joins Maharashtra Govt’s Efforts to Return Elephant Mahadevi to Nandani Math: CM Fadnavis

By A Staff Reporter

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday that Vantara, the animal welfare initiative, has agreed to join the state government's petition to ensure the safe return of elephant Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri) to Nandani Math in Kolhapur district. The development follows a detailed meeting between the Chief Minister and senior officials of Vantara in Mumbai.

“Vantara has decided to join the petition being filed by the Maharashtra Government to safely return Mahadevi the elephant to the Nandani Math,” said Fadnavis. The move comes amid public and legal scrutiny over the elephant's custody and well-being.

During the discussion, Vantara officials reportedly clarified that they acted solely in compliance with an earlier Supreme Court order, and had no independent intention to assume custody of the elephant. “They told me that they only acted in compliance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order, and had no intention of taking custody of Mahadevi on their own,” Fadnavis added.

Significantly, Vantara has also assured full cooperation in establishing a rehabilitation centre for Mahadevi near Nandani Math, at a location to be finalized by the Maharashtra Forest Department.