In a striking development, acclaimed YouTuber Elvish Yadav has been arrested on charges of venomous snake trafficking this past Sunday. Called in for questioning by the Noida police, Yadav was taken into custody following sufficient evidence. He was later presented before the Surajpur court, which decreed a 14-day judicial detention. Prior to the court appearance, a medical examination was conducted. A video has gone viral in the wake of the YouTuber’s arrest, showcasing him sharing a laugh with the police officers.
Last year, when the case came to light, Noida police booked Elvish Yadav and six others. The sweep led to five subsequent arrests – individuals named Rahul, Titunath, Jay Karan, Narayan, and Ravinath. These arrests were initiated by the animal welfare NGO PFA led by BJP leader Maneka Gandhi. Eventually, one accused Rahul unveiled Yadav’s alleged misdeeds. Although police had summoned the YouTuber several times for interrogation, his arrest was not effected until this situation.
A case against Elvish Yadav is on file with the Noida Sector 49 police. The investigation is spearheaded by Noida Sector 20 police. Charges under IPC Sections 284, 289, 120B, along with Sections 9, 39, 48, 49, 50, 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act-1972 have been lodged. Recovered venomous snakes were sent for analysis, which led to the addition of NDPS Act charges to the case. The police, after a five-month investigation, have now firmed up their case against the YouTuber.
Source: aajtak
Despite appearing jovial in police custody, Elvish Yadav’s troubles look set to intensify. The charges against him could result in a lengthy imprisonment, jeopardizing his career. Let’s delve into the specifics of these charges and the associated penalties.
NDPS Act:
Formally known as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985, this legislation has undergone amendments in 1988, 2001, 2014, and 2021. It's primarily used against those involved in the production, sale, and consumption of drugs. Many of these substances, like heroin, morphine, cocaine, and LSD, have medical uses but are strictly regulated.
Punishment:
A prison term of 10 to 20 years and fines ranging from 1 to 2 lakh rupees.
Wildlife Protection Act:
This act spans 66 sections and 6 schedules, protecting various wildlife. Schedule I safeguards wild animals and birds, spanning species such as tigers, bears, parrots, peacocks, some ducks, and pheasants, among others, prohibiting their domestication. Rare plants are also covered under Schedule VI of the act.
Punishment:
A jail term of 3 to 7 years.
IPC Section 284:
This penal code section is applied to individuals who carelessly handle poisonous substances, potentially harming others.
Punishment:
Up to six months in jail and/or fines up to 1,000 rupees.
IPC Section 289:
This section pertains to pet owners responsible for any harm caused by their animals.
Punishment:
Up to six months in jail and/or fines up to 1,000 rupees.
IPC Section 120B:
The Indian Penal Code’s conspiracy clause for individuals planning a crime collectively. Being part of the conspiracy suffices, without needing to commit the actual crime.
Punishment:
Life imprisonment or rigorous imprisonment for 2 years or more.
Source: aajtak
On November 2, 2023, in Noida’s Sector 51, Severon Banquet Hall became the site of a dramatic crackdown. The arrestee roll includes Rahul, Titunath, Jay Karan, Narayan, and Ravinath, with the seizure of 20 milliliters of snake venom and nine snakes – five cobras, a python, two vipers, and one red snake. It was disclosed that such venom is often used in rave parties. It was also revealed that Elvish Yadav’s gatherings made use of drugs derived from snake venom.
An NGO operated by BJP leader Maneka Gandhi, PFA, led the complaint registrations. PFA had been tipped off about suspicious activities in Noida, which further revealed that Elvish Yadav, along with associates, partook in the consumption of snake venom at NCR farmhouses and organized unlawful rave parties.
Following a tip, an informant connected with Elvish Yadav, who then provided the number of an agent named Rahul, stating that mentioning his name would suffice for any requests. Thereafter, the informant arranged a party with Rahul which led to the dramatic arrests and a sensational disclosure in the case.
