The Supreme Court today recorded that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by it to investigate allegations against the Vantara Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has submitted its report in a sealed cover.
A Bench comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale observed that the SIT has filed its report along with annexures and a pen drive containing supporting documents.
“It is accepted and directed to be taken on record,” the Court stated in its order.
The SIT was appointed by the apex judiciary on August 25 under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar.
The panel was tasked with probing allegations, including unlawful procurement of animals, mistreatment in captivity, financial irregularities, procedural lapses, and suspected money laundering linked to Vantara’s operations.
The inquiry team also includes Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts; former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale; and IRS officer Anish Gupta.
During its fact-finding exercise, the SIT reportedly spent three days inspecting facilities at Vantara and circulated a detailed questionnaire seeking information related to financial transactions, adherence to international and inter-state wildlife transfer norms, and compliance with zoo and animal welfare standards.
Sixteen agencies, including officials from the forest and wildlife departments, were associated with the inquiry to scrutinise the transfer of elephants and other animals to Jamnagar.
The Court had earlier directed the SIT to complete the inquiry expeditiously and submit its findings by September 12.
The SIT was instructed to examine multiple aspects, including acquisition of animals from domestic and international sources, particularly elephants and compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and related zoo rules.
It was also tasked to examine the adherence to CITES norms and import/export laws governing live animals, animal husbandry, veterinary care, welfare standards, and mortality records besides climatic concerns and allegations regarding the centre’s location near industrial zones.
It also looked into allegations of vanity collections, breeding programmes, and misuse of biodiversity resources as also misuse of water and carbon credits and violations of wildlife trade, smuggling, and other statutory provisions.
Vantara, an animal rescue, care, and rehabilitation initiative of the Reliance Foundation, was founded by Anant Mukesh Ambani and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
The case relates to a significant step in addressing public concerns surrounding wildlife welfare, financial integrity, and compliance at the Vantara Centre.