Synopsis: Vantara Zoo Controversy deepens as Supreme Court forms SIT under Justice J. Chelameswar to probe allegations of illegal wildlife acquisition, trafficking, and financial irregularities at Reliance-owned Jamnagar facility.
By Qalam Times News Network | New Delhi, August 26, 2025
Supreme Court Orders SIT in Vantara Zoo Controversy
The Vantara Zoo Controversy has taken a decisive legal turn as the Supreme Court on Monday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by former apex court judge Justice J. Chelameswar. The SIT will investigate allegations of illegal animal acquisition, possible wildlife trafficking, and money laundering at the Reliance-operated Vantara Wildlife Rescue Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The bench, comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B. Varale, acted on a public interest petition filed by advocate C.R. Jaya Sukin. Though the court noted that no substantial evidence was furnished, it maintained that the seriousness of the charges required an independent fact-finding probe. Hence, a neutral SIT was deemed necessary.
Composition of the SIT
The SIT in the Vantara Zoo Controversy will include Justice Raghvendra Chauhan (former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts), Hemant Nagrale (former Mumbai Police Commissioner), and Anish Gupta (IRS, Additional Commissioner of Customs). Their mandate is to scrutinize both domestic and international sources of animal acquisitions, especially elephants, and examine whether illegal wildlife trade networks were involved.
Reliance Responds to SIT Probe
Following the Supreme Court’s directive, Reliance-controlled Vantara Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre released a statement. It said: “We respectfully welcome the Supreme Court’s order. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion, and full compliance with the law. Our mission continues to focus on animal rescue, rehabilitation, and welfare.” The company further assured full cooperation with the SIT and appealed for the process to proceed without speculation, keeping animal welfare at the core.
Rising Protests and Public Anger
The Vantara Zoo Controversy has not remained confined to the courts. Earlier this month, large protests erupted in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, following the transfer of a revered elephant, Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri), to the Jamnagar facility. Locals claimed the elephant’s health deteriorated after the transfer, sparking outrage. Former MP Raju Shetti led a silent march demanding her return, during which nearly 150,000 people reportedly ported their mobile numbers from Jio to other service providers in protest.
International Reports Raise Further Questions
The controversy intensified with foreign media investigations. A Venezuelan magazine alleged that Mukesh Ambani, Reliance chairman, enjoys privileged access to thousands of animals from Venezuela through agreements backed by its government-owned PDVSA and ecosystem ministry. Similarly, a German publication, Süddeutsche Zeitung, claimed that many animals at Vantara — including lions, leopards, and jaguars — may have been captured from the wild and imported via international animal traders, raising questions about the true intent behind the facility.
Modi’s Endorsement Adds Political Angle
In March 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Vantara centre, sharing photos and videos on social media. Critics argued that such gestures amounted to tacit political endorsement of the project, even though the Indian government does not officially recognize Vantara as a zoological facility.
Supreme Court’s Final Word
While emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence in the petition, the court underlined the necessity of an independent inquiry. It tasked the SIT with verifying the legality of acquisitions, probing trafficking and financial links, and reporting its findings at the earliest. The outcome of this probe will determine whether the Vantara Zoo Controversy is merely a perception battle or a deeper case of wildlife exploitation under the guise of conservation.
