Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 8 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday responded to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India's demands regarding the elephant 'Madhuri', also known as Mahadevi, stating that the organization has no right to dictate where the elephant should be kept if the state is making necessary arrangements for her safety.
He further reiterated that the state government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the elephant in Kolhapur itself, currently residing in Jamnagar.
"But one thing PETA must understand is whether the elephant is safe or not. If we are making all the necessary arrangements for her safety in Kolhapur itself, then PETA has no right to dictate where the elephant should be kept. And they have no right to lecture us on that either," CM Fadnavis said in a press conference here.
The controversy surrounds the relocation of Mahadevi from a Jain monastery in Kolhapur to Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Gujarat's Jamnagar district.
CM Fadnavis dismissed claims regarding a meeting between the organisation and certain officials of the state government on the issue of relocation of Madhuri.
"They are talking about a PETA meeting, but I'm not aware of any such meeting taking place at our level," he added.
The return of Mahadevi has been a demand by Nadani Jain Math. However, the elephant was moved from the Math in Kolhapur to Vantara's sanctuary in Jamnagar (Gujarat) following a Supreme Court order upholding the decision of the Ministry of Environment's High Powered Committee.
Thousands of people have participated in a silent march in Kolhapur, demanding Mahadevi's return from Vantara. The protesters argue that the elephant was taken away without considering the emotional attachment and cultural significance she holds for the community.
Notably, the Vantara sanctuary, on August 6, announced the decision to establish a satellite rehabilitation centre for the Mahadevi elephant in the Nandani area of Maharashtra's Kolhapur.
Vantara has defended its role in Mahadevi's relocation, stating that it acted solely on court orders and prioritised the elephant's welfare. The facility has offered specialised care, including hydrotherapy and socialisation with other elephants, to address Mahadevi's health issues.
"Vantara acknowledges the deep religious and cultural significance that Madhuri holds for the Jain Math and the people of Kolhapur. For decades, she has been an integral part of deep-rooted spiritual practices and community life. We recognise and respect the sentiments of the devotees, the leadership of the Jain Math, and the wider community who have expressed their concerns and attachment to Madhuri's presence in Kolhapur," the statement said.
The Maharashtra government had earlier decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court, with Vantara joining in with the state government to return Madhuri to Kolhapur.
"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. Subject to the Court's approval, Vantara will provide complete technical and veterinary assistance for her safe and dignified return," the statement read.
The rehabilitation centre for the Mahadevi elephant will include facilities such as a night shelter, a Hydrotherapy Pond and a veterinary clinic.
"Furthermore, Vantara will work in close coordination with the Jain Math and the State Government to establish a satellite rehabilitation centre for Madhuri in the Nandani area of Kolhapur. The proposed facility will be developed in accordance to the established animal welfare guidelines, after consultation with experts from the High-Powered Committee and consensus of the Math, while aligned to international best practices in elephant care," Vantara said.
Vantara will identify the land for the proposed facility after consultation with the Guru of the Jain Math and the Government of Maharashtra.
Earlier on August 5, CM Fadnavis also chaired a meeting on the issue, where he reiterated his support for the devotees' demand.
Fadnavis shared on X, "State Government Stands Firm With Devotees! For 34 years, Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi has been a part of Nandani Math's tradition and the lives of the people. Her presence holds emotional and spiritual meaning and the strong public sentiment for her return has been deeply understood."
The elephant had been transported 13 times from Maharashtra to Telangana between 2012 and 2023, often without proper forest department permissions. On 8 January 2023, the Telangana Forest Department registered Wildlife Offence POR No. 12-07/2022-23 under Sections 48A and 54 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, against Mr. B. Ismail, the elephant's mahout, for using her in a public procession unlawfully. The offence was later compounded upon payment of Rs25,000 an admission of guilt and custody was returned to a local handler in Kolhapur.