From Begging In Chains In Kolhapur To Freedom At Vantara After 33 Years: Elephant Mahadevi’s Journey

Last Updated:August 04, 2025, 11:48 IST

Elephant Mahadevi (Madhuri) had foot rot, untreated wounds, and continued psychological stress. The elephant was transferred to Vantara under court supervision

Elephant Mahadevi is being taken care of at Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust.

After 33 years of abuse, Elephant Mahadevi or Madhuri is now experiencing freedom for the first time at  Anant Ambani’s Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust.

She had to bear it all – from the shackles, iron rod to walking through processions for begging and solitary confinement. But the elephant is now free and recovering.

A look at Elephant Mahadevi’s (Madhuri) journey:

2000s: Swasthishri Sanstha (Math) got possession of an elephant. It was used by them for auctioning pooja, renting it out for Muharram processions and other processions, street begging and entertainment purposes.

December 2017: Elephant was kept chained. Controlled by using banned metal ankush weapon. It was not kept properly. Due to intense depression it killed the head priest of the Math.

2018: Local politican Raju Shetti wrote a complaint asking Elephant to be taken over from the Muth due to events such as it killing the priest.

April 7, 2018: Trustee of the Sanstha had written to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Kolhapur, expressing a willingness to hand over the elephant to the Forest Department. This letter evidences the Sanstha’s own recognition of its inability to continue proper care and its intention to relinquish custody to the appropriate authorities.

January 8, 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 for unlawful use of the elephant during a religious event.

Post-January 2023: The offence was compounded upon payment of ₹25,000. Custody of the elephant was handed over to Mr. Shinde of Kolhapur.

August 3, 2023: A letter from the Police Inspector, Shirol (Kolhapur) prompted veterinary inspection.

August 12, 2023: Three government veterinary doctors inspected the elephant and found signs of extreme physical and psychological distress including ulcerated wounds, cracked nails, lameness, swaying behaviour, and solitary confinement.

October 31, 2023: The High Powered Committee (HPC) received the first complaint from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) concerning Elephant Mahadevi. The complaint showed unauthorised transport (13 times) between Maharashtra and Telangana between 2012 and 2023 without forest department permits. It enclosed extensive photographic and factual documentation including signs of poor treatment, unauthorised usage in religious processions, and lack of welfare. It was recorded that in 2017 the elephant had fatally injured the chief priest of the Math.

March 22, 2024: PETA submitted a second complaint to HPC alleging continued unauthorised use of the elephant in processions including Muharram events.

June 12, 2024: HPC sub-committee visited the Math premises. Although cultural sentiments were noted, the Committee granted the Math three months to rectify welfare conditions.

June 20, 2024: First follow-up inspection reported unresolved foot rot, untreated wounds, and continued psychological stress. Recommendations for urgent specialised care were reiterated.

November 25, 2024: Second follow-up inspection showed minimal and cosmetic improvements. Serious violations and suffering persisted.

December 27, 2024: HPC passed a detailed final order directing the transfer of the elephant to RKTEWT (Vantara), citing expert evidence, medical reports, and lack of compliance by the Math.

June 3, 2025: HPC reaffirmed its decision after hearing the Sanstha and reviewing its submissions. The elephant’s welfare was prioritised over ritualistic usage.

July 16, 2025: The Bombay High Court dismissed Writ Petition No. 4965 of 2025 filed by the Sanstha. The Court upheld the HPC’s findings and ordered transfer within two weeks.

July 28, 2025: Hon’ble Supreme Court of India upheld the Bombay High Court’s judgment, directed that the transfer be completed within two weeks, and listed the matter for compliance on 11 August 2025.

Late July 2025: The authorities concerned and RKTEWT complied with the judicial directions. The elephant was transferred to Vantara under court supervision.

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August 04, 2025, 11:48 IST

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