The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): On the 20th of March, 2024, in a significant development, the Noida Police apprehended two individuals closely associated with the widely recognized YouTuber Elvish Yadav. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged utilization of snake venoms at social gatherings as a form of recreational drug. The capture of these two persons occurred shortly after Yadav himself was taken into custody last Sunday, subsequent to his interrogation regarding the same issue.
Initially, the names of these two associates were not mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) filed on November 3 at the Sector 49 Police Station in Noida. However, their involvement came to light as the inquiry progressed, as stated by a high-ranking official. The police disclosed the identities of the arrested as Ishwar, aged 50, who manages a banquet facility in Gurugram, and Vinay Yadav, aged 25, known as a social media influencer and a close confidante of Elvish Yadav. “The charges levied against them are identical to those faced by Elvish Yadav, encompassing drug consumption, the organization of such illicit gatherings, and the trafficking of wildlife species,” explained Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shakti Mohan Avasthy during an interaction with PTI.
Elvish Yadav, a 26-year-old influencer known for stirring controversy, is currently detained in the Luksar Jail in Greater Noida, with a court hearing for his bail application pending. Initially implicated along with five others in an FIR at the Sector 49 Police Station in Noida on November 3 of the previous year, the other accused, identified as snake charmers, were apprehended in November but have since been released on bail, as per official reports.
The legal action was instituted under several legal provisions, including those from the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, and sections of the Indian Penal Code concerning criminal conspiracy, negligent conduct involving poison, and negligence regarding animals. Additionally, allegations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act have been integrated into the case more recently.
Yadav has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to these allegations. However, BJP leader Maneka Gandhi has previously implicated him in the illegal trade of snake venom and called for his arrest. The FIR was initiated based on a complaint from an official associated with the animal rights organization People for Animals (PFA), of which Gandhi serves as chairperson. Moreover, on November 4, Yadav had a brief encounter with the police in Kota, Rajasthan, while journeying with friends but was subsequently released after a short period of questioning.
