Allegations of animal trafficking and money laundering were leveled against Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The SIT, formed on the orders of the Supreme Court, submitted its report, dismissing all allegations and giving Vantara a clean chit.
New Delhi: Vantara, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has been in the news continuously for some time now. Vantara is a zoological rescue and rehabilitation center, founded by Anant Ambani. Its aim is to rescue injured and helpless animals, providing them with care and rehabilitation. However, recently, serious allegations were made against it, claiming that activities like elephant trafficking and money laundering were being conducted under the guise of an animal rescue center. These allegations had raised questions not only about Vantara but also about its operations.
Supreme Court Forms SIT
Following these questions raised against Vantara, the matter reached the Supreme Court. The court constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate these allegations. The chairmanship of this SIT was entrusted to former Supreme Court judge J. Chelameswar. The team was given the responsibility to investigate the entire matter and reveal the truth. Vantara also assured full cooperation in the investigation, respecting the court's order.
SIT Report Submitted to Supreme Court
After completing its investigation, the SIT submitted its report to the Supreme Court on Friday. On Monday, Justices Pankaj Mithal and PB Varale reviewed the report and included it on record. The report clearly stated that all allegations leveled against Vantara are baseless, and no evidence was found during the investigation to support any of them. The SIT has given Vantara a complete clean chit.
What the SIT Said
According to the report, the SIT extensively examined Vantara's compliance and regulatory practices. The investigation team found that the rules and standards established for animal care and rehabilitation were being followed correctly. The team also stated that the arrangements at Vantara are satisfactory and no evidence of any illegal activity was found.
Why Vantara Faced Allegations
It is noteworthy that for the past few months, allegations had been made against Vantara that animals, especially elephants, were being trafficked out of the center. Additionally, questions were raised regarding money laundering and illegal transactions. Several organizations and individuals raised this issue, stating that illegal activities were occurring under the pretext of an animal rescue center. These allegations had cast a shadow on Vantara's reputation.
Vantara's Stance
Amidst these allegations, Vantara consistently maintained that its sole purpose is to rescue and care for injured and helpless animals. Under the leadership of Anant Ambani, Vantara claimed to have provided a safe life to numerous animals. The organization stated that the allegations against them were baseless and that they were prepared for any investigation. Vantara fully cooperated with the investigation by the SIT constituted by the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court's Stance
When the SIT submitted its report to the Supreme Court, the court took it on record. The court acknowledged that the report submitted by the investigation team was detailed and impartial. This report has brought relief from the serious allegations leveled against Vantara. However, the court has clearly stated that if any new complaint or evidence emerges in the future, it will be considered.
Why Vantara is Special
Vantara is not just an animal rescue center; it is considered the country's largest and most modern zoological rescue and rehabilitation center. Animals of various species are housed in a safe environment here. Injured or sick animals are treated, healed, and provided with a naturalistic habitat. Anant Ambani has developed it as his special project.
