YouTuber Elvish Yadav, known for winning the reality show Bigg Boss OTT, was arrested on Sunday by the Noida Police in connection with a case involving alleged use of snake venom at a party last year. Elvish Yadav has been granted 14-day judicial custody after the arrest.
The case dates back to November 2023, when Noida Police raided a rave party in Sector.51, Noida based on a tip-off. The raid led to the arrest of five people, including four snake charmers, and the recovery of nine snakes and venom. Following forensic analysis, the presence of snake venom was confirmed in samples collected from the party venue, suggesting its use for recreational purposes.
Elvish Yadav, initially absent from the raid arrests, was called in for questioning earlier this month. According to Noida’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vidya Sagar Mishra, “Elvish Yadav was arrested after adequate evidence, including those linked to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), was found in the case.”
The initial FIR against Yadav, registered in November, included sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to criminal conspiracy (120B), negligent conduct with poison endangering human safety (284), and negligent conduct concerning animals (289). The recent addition of NDPS Act provisions suggests investigators may have uncovered evidence linking Yadav to the procurement or distribution of the controlled substance.
The use of snake venom for recreational purposes is a relatively new and concerning trend. Snake venom is a complex mixture of toxins that can have a range of effects on the human body, including hallucinations, paralysis, and even death. Experts warn that experimenting with snake venom is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health complications.
While the snake venom party case takes centre stage, it’s not the only recent controversy surrounding Elvish Yadav. On March 9, 2024, just days before his arrest, Yadav faced accusations of assaulting a Delhi-based content creator in Noida. A purported video of the alleged assault went viral on social media, prompting the complainant to file a police report.
The Elvish Yadav case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with experimenting with dangerous substances like snake venom. It also highlights the potential consequences of irresponsible behaviour, especially for public figures with a significant online following.
The investigation’s outcome will be closely watched, not just for its legal implications but also for the message it sends regarding the responsible use of social media influence and the importance of prioritizing public safety.
