Nandani Mutt Elephant Controversy: Devotees Protest, Discard Jio SIMs

Kagawad (Belagavi), August 6, 2025: The relocation of Mahadevi, a 35-year-old elephant from the Swastishree Bhattaraka Pattasacharya Jain Mutt in Nandani, Maharashtra, to the Vantara Wildlife Rescue Center in Gujarat has sparked extensive protests by devotees along the Karnataka-Maharashtra border. Having been part of the mutt for over three decades, Mahadevi's transfer, which occurred on July 28th, was carried out in compliance with a Supreme Court directive. This action has led to an emotional uproar and accusations of cultural disregard.

Emotional Protests and Jio Boycott

The Jain community is in a state of distress following the removal of their beloved elephant, Mahadevi, who has resided within the mutt for over three decades. Sanjay Kuchanure, the vice-president of Belagavi Digambar Jain Boarding, voiced the collective pain of the community, declaring, "Jain ascetics and the entire village are weeping. The government needs to restore our elephant to us." This emotional turmoil led to a significant demonstration on August 3rd, where devotees from Nandani embarked on a march towards the Kolhapur district collector's office. The protest intensified as a substantial number of participants reportedly discarded their Jio SIM cards. This dramatic act was in response to the involvement of the Ambani-managed rescue center, which they accuse of disrespecting and threatening their cultural practices and heritage.

Legal Dispute and Health Allegations

The controversy arose from a complaint lodged by an animal welfare group in Maharashtra, which claimed that Mahadevi, an elephant, was suffering from poor health due to insufficient care. This was corroborated by the assessment of forest department veterinarians who confirmed her deteriorating condition. Consequently, the Mumbai High Court mandated her release into a forest, which led to her being transferred to the Vantara Wildlife Rescue Center. Supporters of the mutt, however, maintain that Mahadevi played a pivotal role in their religious rituals and was well cared for. Despite the Supreme Court rejecting the mutt’s appeal, the protests persist, with devotees pledging to escalate their efforts until Mahadevi is brought back to her original home. 

Official Statement from Vantara On the Care and Future of Madhuri

Vantara acknowledges the deep religious and cultural significance that Madhuri holds for the Jain Matha 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 Matha, and the wider community who have expressed their concerns and attachment to Madhuri’s presence in Kolhapur.

 

Vantara’s involvement in this matter has been limited to acting strictly in accordance to the binding directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Hon’ble Bombay High Court. The decision to relocate Madhuri was taken under judicial authority, and Vantara’s role was to provide care, veterinary support, and housing as an independent rescue and rehabilitation centre. At no stage did Vantara initiate or recommend the relocation, nor was there any intent to interfere with religious practice or sentiment.

 

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 Matha 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.

 

Furthermore, Vantara proposes to work in close coordination with the Jain Matha 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 Matha, while aligned to international best practices in elephant care.

Keywords: Nandani Mutt, Mahadevi elephant, Jio SIM protest, Karnataka-Maharashtra border, Supreme Court order, Ambani Vantara Wildlife Center, Jain devotees, animal welfare, Mumbai High Court, protest