Leading YouTuber Elvish Yadav is under scrutiny after being accused of organizing underground parties where endangered snakes and snake venom were distributed. The Noida Police recently interrogated Yadav following a complaint lodged by Gaurav Gupta, a member of the animal welfare organization People for Animals (PFA) founded by BJP MP Maneka Gandhi. The case has sparked concern over the use of snake venom as a recreational drug.
Authorities booked Elvish Yadav and apprehended five individuals, residents of Moharband village in southeast Delhi, for their alleged involvement in organizing rave parties where snake venom was reportedly provided. Acting on Gupta’s complaint, the police raided a venue in Noida’s Sector 51 and discovered 20 milliliters of snake venom, five cobras, a python, two two-headed snakes, and a rat snake. A subsequent veterinary report revealed that the venom glands of nine snakes and the fangs of eight snakes were missing, leading to suspicions of illegal activities.
Maneka Gandhi, a prominent BJP MP, condemned Elvish Yadav’s actions, labeling him a kingpin and demanding his immediate arrest. Gandhi emphasized that the seized snakes belonged to endangered species and accused Yadav and his associates of capturing them from forests. She called for the maximum penalty of a seven-year jail sentence.
Maintaining his innocence, Elvish Yadav dismissed the allegations as baseless and fake. In a post on social media, the YouTuber expressed his belief that jealousy could be fueling the accusations against him. He even threatened to file a defamation case against Maneka Gandhi, vowing not to let the matter go unchallenged. Yadav clarified that a video showing him with a snake, which has been circulating online, was actually filmed six months ago.
Yadav was recently questioned by the police for approximately two hours at a police station in Noida. The investigation also involved examining footage in which Yadav interacted with snakes, prompting him to explain that the snakes were arranged by Bollywood singer Fazilpuria. The singer himself clarified that the video was from a previous album shoot and had no connection to any rave party.
The use of snake venom as a recreational drug has sparked discussion, with some individuals reporting that the neurotoxins present in the venom produce a sense of well-being, sleepiness, sexual arousal, and even a diminished ability to feel pain. However, experts caution that the recreational use of snake venom can lead to addiction and even death by poisoning.
As the investigation continues, it is essential to consider all perspectives surrounding this case. The allegations against Elvish Yadav are serious and require a thorough examination of the evidence. Meanwhile, concerns regarding the illegal wildlife trade and conservation efforts to protect endangered species must not be overlooked.
In an effort to address the issue, tighter regulations and enforcement are needed to prevent such incidents in the future. Punishments should be harsh to deter individuals from engaging in such activities that put both human lives and wildlife at risk.
This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility influencers bear in promoting ethical practices and conservation awareness, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
