The Supreme Court-appointed SIT will hold its first meeting in Delhi tomorrow to investigate Reliance-owned Vantara over alleged illegal animal trade, smuggling and financial irregularities, marking the beginning of a crucial probe into the controversial wildlife project.
New Delhi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Supreme Court to investigate the activities of Reliance-owned Vantara, is set to hold its inaugural official meeting in Delhi tomorrow.
Sources have informed media that SIT members, Justice Jasti Chelameswar (Retd), Justice Raghavendra Chauhan (Retd), former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale (IPS), and Anish Gupta (IRS Addl Commissioner, Customs) held an informal discussion on Tuesday.
During this conversation, they decided to convene in person in the capital.
A key item on the agenda for Thursday’s meeting is the development of a structured timetable for the inquiry and the allocation of specific responsibilities to each team member.
This approach is anticipated to facilitate a systematic and thorough investigation into the various allegations against Vantara, ensuring that all elements outlined in the Supreme Court order are carefully and effectively addressed.
The Supreme Court established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations against the Vantara Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which is owned by the Reliance Foundation.
The SIT will be led by retired Supreme Court Justice Jasti Chelameswar and will include former Chief Justices Raghavendra Chauhan of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Court, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and IRS officer Anish Gupta.
This decision was made by Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale in response to writ petitions claiming that Vantara unlawfully acquired animals from both domestic and international sources, mistreated animals in captivity, and engaged in financial irregularities and money laundering.
The Bench instructed the SIT to complete its investigation and submit a report by September 12, with the next hearing scheduled for September 15.
The SIT has been tasked with examining and reporting on the following matters:
- Acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants.
- Compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and zoo regulations.
- Adherence to the International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) and compliance with import/export laws related to live animals.
- Standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, animal welfare, and causes of mortality.
- Complaints about climatic conditions and the centre’s location near industrial areas.
- Allegations regarding personal collections, breeding, conservation programs, and the use of biodiversity resources.
- Issues related to the misuse of water and carbon credits.
- Breaches of various laws concerning wildlife trade and smuggling as highlighted in the petitions.
- Financial compliance issues, including money laundering.
- Any other relevant subjects related to the allegations made in these petitions.
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