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Madhuri, known and loved in Kolhapur as Mahadevi
Madhuri, known and loved in Kolhapur as Mahadevi, came to Vantara in Jamnagar on 30 July 2025 in compliance with the directions of the High-Powered Committee (HPC), which were upheld by the Hon’ble Bombay High Court and the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Vantara did not seek her custody. It received her and cared for her because it was directed to do so.
We fully understand the deep sentiments surrounding Madhuri in Kolhapur. Following discussions with the Government of Maharashtra, its officers, stakeholders and members of the community, Vantara stated on 06 August 2025 that it respected those sentiments and would abide by the directions of the competent authorities.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court subsequently directed the parties to place their claims before the HPC. After hearing the parties, calling for reports and inspecting the facility at Nandani, the HPC, on 09 September 2026, passed a reasoned order permitting Madhuri to return to Kolhapur, subject to strict conditions. These include that she shall not be used for processions or any other purpose, that she receive round-the-clock care and that she undergo a medical examination every fortnight.
Vantara respects the authority of the HPC and will comply fully with its directions.
Our position on Madhuri has always been guided by veterinary science and her welfare. Her condition has been stabilised through sustained veterinary care, but her chronic conditions have not disappeared. She continues to require appropriate care, supportive management and regular veterinary monitoring.
Our responsibility does not end with her return to Kolhapur. Vantara has worked to support her transition by helping ensure that appropriate living conditions, veterinary infrastructure, medical equipment, medicines and other necessities are in place. Vantara’s veterinarians will visit Madhuri in Kolhapur every fortnight to conduct her medical examination and submit their reports to the competent authorities, as directed by the HPC. This is about continuity of care and safeguarding her welfare, wherever she is housed.
Vantara has also worked on the enclosure and facility at Nandani to which Madhuri is now returning. Within the infrastructure available, the best possible arrangements have been put in place for her. Further improvements to the infrastructure could not be made at this stage owing to town planning constraints, as a road passing through the land of the Trust has limited the land available for development. Once Madhuri has settled in, Vantara will remain available to the Math for the upgradation of the facility. Vantara will equally assist in such upgradation if directed to do so by the courts or the competent authorities.
Vantara believes that genuine animal welfare requires facts, veterinary science, responsible care, respect for due process and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding life forever.
Vantara is grateful to the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Hon’ble Bombay High Court and the HPC for their directions. We thank the Governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat and their officers for their support. We are equally thankful to the Math and the people of Kolhapur for their concern for Madhuri. We also acknowledge PETA India’s role in bringing Madhuri’s condition before the HPC and value our long association in the cause of animal welfare.
Madhuri’s wellbeing remains Vantara’s first concern. Our commitment to her health, welfare and dignity does not depend on where she lives. We wish her good health and a long, safe and happy life.
BMC gets transfer, promotion recommendations for 225 officials, employees | Mumbai News
Mumbai: BMC received recommendation letters for the transfer or promotion of as many as 225 officials and employees over the past year. The recommendations were made by Union ministers, state cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs and corporators cutting across party lines, as mentioned against respective names on the list. This information was obtained by activist Anil Galgali from the office of BMC city engineer in reply to a query filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.According to Galgali, a preliminary analysis of the political names mentioned against the 225 officials and employees showed that the names of certain political leaders appear repeatedly.Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s name appears 10 times, followed by Union minister of state Ramdas Athawale, whose name appears nine times. The names of state ministers Girish Mahajan and Kalidas Kolambkar appear seven times each.Similarly, the names of Shiv Sena MLA Mangesh Kudalkar, Deputy Speaker in Legislative Assembly Anna Bansode and Shiv Sena MLA Tukaram Kate appear six times each. The names of BJP MLA Murji Patel and Shiv Sena MLA Dilip Lande appear five times each.The names of NCP minister Narahari Zirwal, BJP MLA Sumit Wankhede, Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale, Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve, NCP minister of state Indranil Naik, Shiv Sena MLA Santosh Bangar, BJP MLAs Ram Kadam and Kishan Kathore, and MLC Bachchu Kadu appear four times each.Further, the names of BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, NCP minister Hasan Mushrif, Shiv Sena ministers Bharatseth Gogawale and Uday Samant, BJP MLA Parinay Fuke, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar,BJP MLCs Prasad Lad and Pravin Darekar, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs Sunil Prabhu and Mahesh Sawant appear three times each.The names of Shiv Sena Union minister of state Prataprao Jadhav, BJP state ministers Pankaja Munde, Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Jaykumar Gore, MP Raosaheb Danve, Shiv Sena Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and NCP MLA Sana Malik appear two times each. The names of BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, BJP state minister Chandrakant Patil and NCP state minister Sanjay Bansode appear once each.Galgali said, “Transfers in the municipal corporation are expected to be carried out on the basis of administrative requirements, seniority and transparent criteria. However, a list containing the names of ministers, MLAs, MPs and public representatives against the names of 225 officers and employees has now come to light. The list includes officers and employees holding the posts of assistant engineer (AE), sub engineer (SE), executive engineer (EE) and junior engineer (JE).”Galgali further stated that disciplinary action is expected to be taken in accordance with the existing rules. “Therefore, a thorough investigation should be conducted immediately. If any unauthorised interference, pressure or irregular process is found in the transfer process, appropriate action should be taken against the concerned officers and employees as per the provisions of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888.”Ganesh Khankar, BJP leader of the House in BMC, said most of these recommendations were made on humanitarian grounds.“I have personally recommended the transfer of an official whose father was ailing and he wanted a posting near his residence. In another instance, one lady official sought a transfer to a post closer to her home, as she was a single mother and had to take care of her young children. In both cases, how could anybody refuse their request? Besides, there is pressure on the local public representatives for recommendations from local citizens and party workers. Most have genuine problems; therefore, they are seeking recommendations for transfer.”According to Shiv Sena BMC Group Leader Amey Ghole, recommendations have been given by representatives of all parties across the spectrum and are not restricted to one party alone.“These officials and employees have various problems. Some have health issues and some cannot travel for long distances, so they seek recommendation for a transfer. These engineers approach their local MLA, sometimes in their native place. Besides, party workers too come with requests.”
Samay Raina felicitated by CM Fadnavis at Mumbai event: ‘Mera aur cyber cell ka rishta bahut purana hai’ | Mumbai News
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Comedian Samay Raina
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Cyber launched a cyber-awareness short film, Digital Arrest, and the 1930 Maharashtra Cyber Anthem at an event in Mumbai on Wednesday, attended by several celebrities and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.Actors Ashish Vidyarthi, Pankaj Tripathi, Sharad Kelkar, Sonali Bendre, Javed Jaffrey and Mangesh Desai, along with singer Sunidhi Chauhan and comedian Samay Raina, were among those who contributed to the campaign and attended the event. The number 1930 is Maharashtra’s cybercrime helpline.Speaking at the event, Fadnavis stressed the importance of public awareness in tackling cybercrime. He said artists, actors and singers could play an important role in reaching citizens with messages about online fraud.“Cyber criminals dupe citizens by frightening and intimidating them in the name of police, the CBI, or judges. Citizens must not fall prey to any such tactics and should immediately contact the cyber helpline number ‘1930’ in case of cyber fraud,” Fadnavis said.The celebrities were felicitated for their contribution to the Digital Arrest short film and the 1930 Maharashtra Cyber Anthem.Samay Raina, who was also felicitated, spoke about his long association with Maharashtra Cyber.“Thank you so much for the felicitations. Mera aur Maharashtra cell ka rishta bahut purana hai. (My relationship with the Maharashtra Cyber cell is very old. Bahut zyada active hai Maharashtra cyber cell (Maharashtra Cyber is very active), wherever you are, US or India, they will catch you,” he said.Speaking from personal experience, Raina said, “1930 is really a great number. I have actually saved it because I often get calls from there.”He then joked about being woken up in the morning for the event.“This is the first time the Cyber Cell has woken a comedian in the morning to felicitate someone,” Raina said.Speaking to ANI, Vidyarthi said the campaign was important because technology, while making people’s lives easier, was also being used by criminals to target ordinary citizens.“I feel that we all use technology to make our lives easier, and people use it to destroy the lives of ordinary people. I think this campaign is important so that you stop this crime from happening,” he said.“It’s important to spread awareness that there is no such thing as digital arrest. The films that are being made, the apps that are being announced, that is such a wonderful thing. People will finally know about the ongoing big scam,” he added.The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the so-called “digital arrest” scam, in which fraudsters impersonate police officers, government officials or other authorities to frighten victims and extort money from them.Fadnavis urged citizens to remain alert and contact the 1930 cyber helpline immediately if they fall victim to cyber fraud.(With inputs from ANI)