In a shocking turn of events, popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav, who shot to fame for his comedic videos, has found himself in a legal quagmire. The Noida Police have recently booked Elvish Yadav, the winner of Bigg Boss OTT Season 2 and a social media sensation, for allegedly supplying snake venom at a rave party in Noida. This heinous act has caught the attention of not just the authorities but also animal welfare activists and politicians alike.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act: A Serious Offense
Elvish Yadav and five other individuals have been charged under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, a non-bailable offense that carries a severe punishment of up to seven years in jail. This law is designed to safeguard endangered species and prevent illegal activities related to wildlife. The arrest and subsequent judicial custody of the accused mark a significant development in the case.
The Role of Maneka Gandhi
The case took a significant turn when it came to light that the FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by Gaurav Gupta, an animal welfare officer associated with ‘People for Animals,’ an NGO founded by BJP MP Maneka Gandhi. Maneka Gandhi, a well-known advocate for animal rights and welfare, called for the immediate arrest of Elvish Yadav and accused him of being involved in the illicit trade of snakes in Noida and Gurugram.
Elvish Yadav has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as “baseless.”
Endangered Species Rescued
Divisional Forest Officer Pramod Kumar Srivastava reported that the authorities successfully rescued five cobras, two sand boas, a python, and a rat snake. All of these species are categorized as endangered, and their illegal trade is a grave offense under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The rescue of these reptiles highlights the importance of stringent measures to combat wildlife trafficking.
The Sting Operation
The revelation of this shocking crime came through a sting operation conducted by Gaurav Gupta. Gupta, acting as an undercover buyer, reached out to Elvish Yadav to purchase snake venom for a rave party to be held at a banquet hall in Noida’s Sector 51. During the operation, Gupta was introduced to a man named Rahul Yadav, who allegedly agreed to the illicit transaction.
As the sting operation unfolded, officers from the Forest Department collaborated with the police. Subsequently, all five individuals involved in the transaction were apprehended, and a significant quantity of snake venom, measuring 20 milliliters, was seized from them. The authorities sent the venom for testing to ascertain whether it contained any psychotropic substances.
Elvish Yadav’s Rise to Fame
Elvish Yadav, a prominent YouTuber and social media influencer, boasts millions of followers on YouTube and Instagram. He gained widespread recognition for hosting shows where he humorously mocked or ‘roasted’ public figures. Notably, in one such video, Elvish Yadav took on Aryan Khan, the son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, for his alleged involvement in drug consumption.
Aryan Khan had faced legal troubles in 2021 during the infamous drugs-on-cruise case. Although initially arrested, he was later acquitted by the Narcotics Control Bureau. In his video, Elvish Yadav expressed his disapproval of those who supported Aryan Khan, stating that he believed Aryan’s actions were wrong due to his possession of illegal substances.
Controversial Connections
In the wake of the snake venom case, images of Elvish Yadav posing with several Central Ministers began circulating online, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The nature of these connections and their potential implications remains a subject of scrutiny.
Conclusion
The arrest of Elvish Yadav, a popular YouTuber and social media personality, for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of snake venom, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The charges brought against him under the Wildlife (Protection) Act are grave and carry the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. The involvement of animal welfare activists, politicians, and a sting operation adds layers of intrigue to this developing story.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding wildlife protection laws and combating illegal wildlife trafficking. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the nation will be closely watching the outcome of this high-profile case.
