Noida Police have apprehended popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav in connection with an alleged snake venom-laced rave party organized in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
The 26-year-old content creator stands accused of providing snake venom during an event held at a banquet hall in Sector 51 last year on November 3. Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of snake venom in samples collected from the party, leading to Yadav's arrest.
Charged under provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and IPC Section 120A (criminal conspiracy), Elvish Yadav, along with six others, faces legal proceedings for their involvement in the incident. Despite previous questioning, authorities had refrained from arresting Yadav, a former contestant on Bigg Boss.
Police seized nine snakes, including five cobras, from the possession of the accused during the November event. Further investigations revealed that the venom glands were missing from all nine snakes, with authorities confiscating 20 ml of snake venom.
Denying the allegations, Elvish Yadav dismissed them as "baseless, fake, and not even 1 per cent true."
Reports indicate that snake venom is increasingly being utilized as a recreational drug, raising concerns about its potential dangers. Moreover, a People For Animals (PFA) official, who flagged the snake venom rave party, has filed another complaint against Yadav, alleging threats from the YouTuber.
Additionally, Yadav faces scrutiny over a music video featuring him, where a rare species of snake was purportedly used.
This recent development comes amidst a series of legal entanglements for Yadav, as he was charged on March 9 for allegedly assaulting a Delhi-based content creator in Noida. A viral video purportedly captured the incident, with the complainant alleging severe threats and physical harm by Yadav.