Animal Rights Activists Seek Police Protection Following Alleged Threats from YouTuber Elvish Yadav

Brothers Sourabh and Gaurav Gupta, prominent animal rights activists, have lodged a plea in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, citing alleged threats to their lives from YouTuber Elvish Yadav. The Gupta brothers, who are also members of Union Minister Maneka Gandhi’s People for Animals (PFA) organization, claim they received intimidating calls and were coerced to retract their complaint against Yadav.

The complaint stems from a case last November involving Yadav’s purported use of snake venom as a drug at rave parties. In response to their plea, the High Court has issued a notice to the Haryana government and scheduled the next hearing for April 18.

Yadav, embroiled in controversy after a recent altercation with fellow YouTuber Sagar Thakur, was arrested on March 17 in connection with the snake venom case. He faces charges under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and the Indian Penal Code.

During the investigation, authorities recovered nine snakes, including cobras and pythons, and a small quantity of suspected snake venom from six individuals, including Yadav. A subsequent veterinary report revealed that the venom glands of all nine snakes were missing, along with the fangs of eight.

The plea by the Gupta brothers underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the need for adequate protection for activists who raise concerns about animal welfare and environmental conservation. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the ethical implications of using endangered species for illicit activities and the safety of those who challenge such practices.