Kolhapur, Maharashtra – The recent relocation of elephant Madhuri—also known as Mahadevi—from a 600-year-old Jain Mutt in Shirol, Kolhapur to Reliance Industries’ Vantara Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre has sparked a massive outcry across Maharashtra’s Jain and local communities. The move, although backed by legal orders, has triggered strong emotional, religious, and political reactions, resulting in boycott calls against Jio and other Reliance services.
The elephant had resided at the Jain Mutt for years, considered sacred and central to spiritual activities. The decision to shift Madhuri followed a Bombay High Court order, which was upheld by the Supreme Court, after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a petition citing Madhuri’s deteriorating health and alleging mistreatment and lack of proper veterinary care.
Despite the legal backing, the elephant’s transfer was met with strong opposition. Locals insisted that Madhuri was not just an animal but part of a centuries-old spiritual heritage. Former MP and farmer leader Raju Shetti called the removal an “emotional blow” to the Jain community, accusing the authorities of ignoring the cultural and religious sentiments of the region.
On Wednesday, when officials arrived at the Shirol Mutt with a convoy and medical team to carry out the order, a deeply emotional scene unfolded. Devotees wept, and Bhattaraka Swamiji, the religious head of the Mutt, performed farewell rituals. “She was like a daughter to this place. They’ve taken a soul away from this sacred ground,” a tearful devotee said.
The sentiment soon turned into anger, as several locals began porting out from Jio and other Reliance services. Hashtags like #BoycottJio and #ReturnMadhuri started trending locally, while posters and placards demanding Madhuri’s return were seen across Shirol and nearby towns.
In response to the growing backlash, Maharashtra minister Prakash Abitkar visited Reliance’s Vantara facility and met with its representatives. According to a statement by the minister, Vantara officials maintained that Madhuri was safe, receiving medical care, and not being mistreated. They expressed willingness to return the elephant if legal procedures were followed and a court permitted her return to the Jain Mutt.
Meanwhile, PETA India issued a fresh statement defending their petition:
“Madhuri was in need of urgent and expert veterinary care. The relocation was done with court supervision and for her well-being,” the statement read.
Despite this, the rift between legal obligations and local beliefs continues to widen. Many have raised concerns over the growing influence of large corporations like Reliance in religious and cultural matters. “If a 600-year-old tradition can be dismantled in a single night, what faith can people have in the system?” asked one protester.
While no official FIR has been filed, local groups are planning more demonstrations and legal petitions to bring Madhuri back.
This incident has reignited the debate over animal rights versus religious customs, and the tension between corporate power and community traditions.
Sources:
- Supreme Court Order on PETA Petition
- Statements by Bhattaraka Swamiji and Raju Shetti (India Today, August 2025)
- Maharashtra Govt Statement via Minister Prakash Abitkar
- PETA India official press release
