India, Sept. 15 -- The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) has given a clean chit to Vantara, the zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The SIT, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, told the Supreme Court that it was satisfied with the compliance and regulatory measures followed at the centre. The findings were submitted in a sealed cover with annexures and supporting materials.

A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale took the report on record.

The inquiry followed a petition by CR Jaya Sukin, who alleged that Vantara had illegally acquired animals, including elephants, birds and endangered species. The plea also claimed that animals were smugg...