ED attaches Elvish Yadav, Fazilpuria’s Rs 52 lakh assets in money laundering and snake venom case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth Rs 52.5 lakh and bank accounts in its ongoing investigation into money laundering involving YouTuber Siddharth Yadav, known as Elvish Yadav, singer Rahul Yadav, also known as Fazilpuria, and Sky Digital India Pvt Ltd. The assets include agricultural plots in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, following a provisional order issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), a TOI report stated.

Elvish Yadav Snake Venom Case

The investigation began after two FIRs were registered against Yadav and Fazilpuria for allegedly using and trading snake venom illegally. The ED launched its investigation after police in Noida and Gurgaon filed complaints under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Details of the FIRs

An FIR was filed against Elvish in Noida after the police arrested agents involved in supplying snakes and snake venom for parties. A second FIR was registered in Gurgaon against both Elvish and Rahul in connection with their alleged use of snakes in music videos and vlogs, which raised concerns about animal cruelty.

Arrest and Subsequent Developments

On March 17, Noida police arrested Elvish Yadav in the snake venom case. However, he was released on bail. In July, ED officers questioned Elvish at their Lucknow headquarters.

“During the investigation, officials found that both accused had used species of snakes and exotic animals, such as iguanas, in the production of commercial music videos and vlogs to increase the followers and generate money,” an ED official stated. The investigation also revealed that these videos were handed over to M/s Sky Digital India Pvt Ltd for uploading on YouTube to generate revenue.

NGO’s Role in Initiating the Investigation

Elvish Yadav’s troubles began in November last year when a complaint was made by members of the NGO People for Animals (PFA). The representatives of PFA claimed they approached Elvish under the pretense of organizing a rave party and requested snake venom for the event. They alleged that Elvish referred them to a man named Rahul, who, along with four snake charmers, was expected to meet them outside a banquet hall. Following this, a police team conducted a search at the banquet hall on November 2 and arrested Rahul along with four others. They found nine snakes and a vial containing 20ml of liquid, later confirmed to be the venom of cobra and krait through laboratory tests in Jaipur. This case highlights ongoing concerns about wildlife protection and the illegal use of exotic animals in entertainment, prompting a rigorous investigation by the authorities.