YouTuber Elvish Yadav arrested in connection with Snake Venom scandal

Popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav has recently found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons as he was apprehended by Noida Police on Sunday. The arrest was made in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged utilization of snake venom as a recreational substance during a party, as per officials.

Yadav, recognizable from his online presence and also known as a winner of the reality show Bigg Boss OTT, was among the six individuals named in an FIR filed at the Sector 49 police station last year on November 3. While the other five accused were previously arrested and subsequently released on bail, Yadav was brought in by the Sector 20 police station team that took over the investigation.

The charges levied against Yadav and others are in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and under section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, pertaining to criminal conspiracy, stated authorities.

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Despite Yadav's denial of involvement in the alleged incident, police have been questioning him periodically. Notably, a sub-inspector from the Sector 49 police station, who was overseeing the initial FIR, has been transferred amidst the ongoing probe.

The complaint leading to the FIR was filed by a representative of the animal rights organization People For Animals (PFA). The incident unfolded on November 3 when five individuals were apprehended from a banquet hall in Sector 51, where nine snakes, including cobras, were rescued. Additionally, authorities seized approximately 20 ml of a substance believed to be snake venom.

While Yadav was not present at the party venue, law enforcement officials are exploring his potential involvement in the case. PFA's chairperson and prominent BJP figure, Maneka Gandhi, has publicly accused Yadav of engaging in the illegal trade of snake venom, urging for his prompt arrest.

This isn't the first time Yadav has encountered legal scrutiny regarding this matter. On November 4, he was briefly detained for questioning by Rajasthan police in Kota while traveling with companions. However, he was released shortly thereafter. The investigation into the alleged use of snake venom as a recreational drug continues as authorities piece together the details surrounding the case.

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