A Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Supreme Court, is currently conducting a three-day inspection of the Vantara Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The on-site inquiry, which began on Friday and is expected to conclude on Sunday, is part of a broader probe into the facility's operations.

The inspection follows an August 25 Supreme Court order to investigate allegations against the Reliance Industries-owned center, which the court initially called "unsupported."

The SIT, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, has been tasked with submitting its report by September 12. The four-member team also includes retired high court chief justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Mumbai Police commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and customs official Anish Gupta.

According to a Gujarat government official, "The SIT team is presently at Vantara to investigate and prepare the report in a time-bound manner as per the Supreme Court's instructions."

In a statement, a Vantara spokesperson affirmed the center's commitment to transparency and animal welfare. "We acknowledge the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court with utmost regard," the spokesperson said.

"Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion, and full compliance with the law. 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."

The Vantara facility, a philanthropic initiative of Reliance Industries led by Anant Ambani, is spread across 3,500 acres and houses over 150,000 animals. It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Wildlife Day in March.

The Supreme Court's inquiry stems from two petitions seeking an independent investigation into various allegations, including Vantara's acquisition of animals, its adherence to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, and issues related to financial compliance.

The court's bench, comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and PB Varale, noted that while such petitions based on unsupported claims would typically be dismissed, the inquiry was deemed necessary to ensure that statutory authorities were fulfilling their duties. The court clarified that the order is a fact-finding mission and does not express any opinion on the allegations or cast doubt on the facility's operations. The matter is scheduled for a final hearing on September 15.