Kolhapur, a city with rich traditions and profound religious roots in Maharashtra, is in the midst of a national controversy today. The Madhuri elephant protest has awakened huge public emotion, spiritual fervor, and legal complexities. From peaceful padyatras to police lathicharge, the people of Kolhapur are standing up for what they believe is not just a temple animal, but a divine being.
But why is Kolhapur protesting the shifting of Madhuri the elephant? Here’s the full story.
Who is Madhuri the Elephant?
Madhuri, also referred to as Mahadevi, is a 36-year-old female elephant who spent over three decades at the Jain Mutt in Nandani village, Kolhapur. She was not just another animal—locals saw her as sacred, and her presence in religious festivals added to their spiritual identity. Her bond with the Kolhapur community ran deep.
However, in recent years, animal rights activists, especially PETA India, raised concerns about her health. Reports suggested she was chained for long hours, lived on concrete flooring, and suffered from arthritis, foot rot, and signs of mental stress.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Orders
The legal journey began in 2023 when PETA India filed a petition with documented proof of Madhuri’s alleged abuse. This prompted the Supreme Court to intervene and assign a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to assess her living conditions. After multiple visits and reports, the HPC concluded that Madhuri was living in unsuitable conditions for an elephant.
In July 2025, the Bombay High Court backed the HPC’s advice, recommending her transfer to Vantara elephant sanctuary in Gujarat. The Supreme Court elephant ruling came shortly after, dismissing a final petition by the Jain Mutt, officially allowing the relocation.
The Midnight Relocation and Public Outcry
On July 30, 2025, Madhuri was shifted under heavy police security to Gujarat. This sudden move triggered a major Kolhapur elephant protest. Over 10,000 locals had gathered to either bid farewell or try to stop the transfer. The situation turned violent—vehicles were damaged, stones were thrown, and police had to resort to lathicharge.
More than 80 protestors were booked under FIRs, but the mood in Kolhapur was clear: they felt Madhuri had been taken away against their will.
Why Kolhapur Is Protesting
Here are the core reasons behind the ongoing Madhuri elephant protest:
1. Religious Sentiment
Madhuri is treated as a divine figure. Locals believe she brings blessings and spiritual balance to the community. Her relocation was seen as a disrespect to centuries-old traditions.
2. Emotional Attachment
She had been a part of the Jain Mutt for over 30 years. Residents considered her part of their family. Her removal felt personal and painful.
3. Lack of Consultation
The community claims they were neither informed nor consulted. The abrupt nature of the decision hurt local trust.
4. Distrust of NGOs
Many believe NGOs like PETA exaggerated Madhuri’s condition. Some even suspect larger motives, especially since the Villagers protesting in Kolhapur during the Madhuri elephant protest.
is funded by industrialist Anant Ambani.
5. Cultural Identity
To Kolhapur, Madhuri symbolizes pride and heritage. Her shift to another state was viewed as a cultural loss.
What Is Vantara and Where Is Madhuri Now?
Madhuri has been taken to Vantara, a world-class elephant rehabilitation center in Gujarat run under the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust. The facility offers natural habitat, veterinary care, and community living with other elephants.
In a public statement, Vantara clarified that they were simply following the Supreme Court elephant ruling and had no intention of disrupting local faith. They also released videos showing Madhuri eating well, interacting with other elephants, and receiving medical attention.
Kolhapur’s Protest Continues
The Madhuri elephant protest is far from over. On August 4, 2025, over 7,000 people marched 45 km to the Kolhapur Collector’s office. The Jain Mutt elephant controversy has now gained political and national attention.
Over 2 lakh people have filled petition forms addressed to the President of India. Protesters are demanding either her return to Kolhapur or a transfer to a sanctuary within Maharashtra.
What Politicians Are Saying
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that the state had no role in the relocation, emphasizing that the order came directly from the Supreme Court. Still, several local MLAs have vowed to raise the issue in the Assembly and explore legal channels for her return.
Beyond Law and Politics
The Madhuri elephant protest is more than a court case—it reflects a larger conflict between faith and law, tradition and animal welfare. While animal rights groups see her transfer as a moral victory, Kolhapur residents feel betrayed.
This growing tension reflects how deeply animals are embedded in India’s spiritual and cultural life.
Final Thoughts
Madhuri’s story is a rare mix of spirituality, law, love, and public sentiment. Whether she remains in Gujarat or returns to Kolhapur, her journey has sparked national debate.
The Madhuri elephant protest shows that in India, animals aren’t just animals—they’re symbols of faith, identity, and emotion. The final outcome may take time, but one thing is certain: Madhuri will forever remain in the hearts of Kolhapur’s people.
