Vantara Acknowledges Supreme Court SIT in Mahadevi Elephant Case, Vows Full Cooperation
Jamnagar, Gujarat — Reliance-owned Vantara Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre has officially acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision to appoint a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the Mahadevi elephant case. In a statement, the facility reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, legal compliance, and the welfare of animals.
“We acknowledge the order of the Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion, and full compliance with the law. Our mission and focus continue to be the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of animals,” the statement read, as quoted by ANI.
The statement further emphasized that Vantara will fully cooperate with the SIT and urged that the investigative process be allowed to proceed without undue speculation.
“We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely, always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts. We request that the process be allowed to take place without speculation and in the best interest of the animals we serve,” it added.
Supreme Court Orders SIT Probe
The Supreme Court, on Monday, constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe allegations raised in multiple writ petitions concerning Vantara’s operations. These allegations include the acquisition of animals from within India and abroad, the treatment and care of animals, and related financial and legal compliance issues.
The SIT will be chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, and will include:
- Justice Raghvendra Chauhan, former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts
- Hemant Nagrale, former Mumbai Police Commissioner
- Anish Gupta, Indian Revenue Service officer
The court noted that the petitions primarily relied on media reports, social media inputs, and NGO complaints, and lacked concrete, probative material. However, due to the involvement of statutory authorities like the Central Zoo Authority and CITES, the bench found it appropriate to seek an independent assessment.
“Accordingly, we deem it appropriate to direct for constitution of a Special Investigation Team (‘SIT’) of respectable persons of impeccable integrity and high repute having long public service,” stated the Supreme Court order, according to Bar and Bench.
The SIT has been tasked with investigating and submitting a detailed report on a range of issues, including:
- Acquisition of animals, especially elephants, from India and abroad
- Compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
- Adherence to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- Observance of applicable import/export laws and related regulations
The court’s move comes in the wake of growing scrutiny and public concern following the death of an elephant named Mahadevi, which drew attention to the treatment of wildlife at privately-run rescue and conservation facilities.
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