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ToggleYouTuber & Bigg Boss Winner Elvish Yadav Sent To 14-Day Jail In Snake Venom-Rave Party Case
Popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav, winner of Bigg Boss OTT season 2, was arrested on Sunday by Noida Police in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged use of snake venom at rave parties.
Tip-off Leads to Arrests
The case originated in November 2023 when Noida Police received a tip from People for Animals (PFA), an animal welfare NGO founded by Maneka Gandhi. Acting on the information, authorities raided a party at the Chevron banquet hall in Noida Sector 51 and apprehended five individuals. These individuals were accused of selling snake venom for recreational use at parties in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Yadav Named in FIR, Arrested Later
While Yadav’s name appeared in the FIR filed by Gaurav Gupta, PFA’s animal welfare officer, his arrest did not occur until this past Sunday. The FIR alleged Yadav’s involvement in organizing illegal rave parties featuring snake venom and exotic animals alongside “gang members/YouTubers.” It further claimed the presence of foreign women at these events.
Police Gather Evidence
Following the initial raid, Noida Police interrogated Yadav twice and collected relevant evidence. The seized items included approximately 20ml of snake venom, various snakes (cobras, pythons, two-headed snakes, and a rat snake), and samples confirmed to contain krait venom by the Jaipur forensic science laboratory.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The FIR against Yadav and the other accused falls under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to criminal conspiracy (120B) and sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972) that address wildlife smuggling and illegal trade (9, 39, 48A, 49, 50, and 51). Yadav is expected to appear in court soon.
Social Media Frenzy
Following the police raid in November 2023, social media erupted with speculation and accusations. Videos surfaced online showing Yadav interacting with snakes, further fueling public outcry and demands for his arrest.
PFA’s Role in Uncovering the Case
The PFA’s sting operation played a crucial role in exposing the alleged snake venom ring. Their investigation resulted in the arrest of five individuals involved in snake smuggling and the subsequent discovery of the snake venom and snakes linked to Yadav’s gatherings.
Yadav Denies Allegations
Elvish Yadav has consistently denied all accusations and even threatened legal action against PFA for defamation. Despite his claims, Noida Police proceeded with questioning and ultimately arrested him.
Previous Controversies
This snake venom case adds to Yadav’s list of controversies. Recently, another YouTuber, Maxtern, accused Yadav of assault and attempted murder. While Maxtern initially filed an FIR, the case was later withdrawn following a reported compromise between the two YouTubers.