In what appears to be a high-profile arrest that has shaken the online community, popular YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav found himself in police custody recently. The Noida police, who had been investigating an intriguing snake venom case since last year, apprehended Yadav on Sunday. This development caught the attention of many, including fellow entertainer and friend Munawar Faruqui, who has publically reacted to Yadav’s legal predicament.
When approached by the media, Munawar Faruqui, known for his stand-up comedy, provided a response that underscored his apparent lack of information regarding the arrest. Speaking candidly to Times Now, Faruqui admitted to being out of the loop. “Mujhe kuch bhi idea nahi iss baare mein. Mera phone toh band tha. Mere phone ki battery puri dead ho chuki hai. I don’t know kaise hua yeh sab,” he explained, signaling that his phone had been turned off and the battery had completely died, leaving him unaware of the unfolding event related to his acquaintance and collaborator, Elvish Yadav.
Faruqui and Yadav’s camaraderie was no secret. They were recently seen sharing light moments and engaging in friendly sportsmanship during a cricket match at ISPL’s event. The warmth of their interaction was evident to the onlookers as they shared a hug, projecting a picture of closeness between the two celebrities.
Yadav’s involvement in the case came under scrutiny when an FIR was lodged at the Noida Sector 49 police station on November 3, 2020. The complaint revolved around the illegal usage of snake venom as a narcotic substance. The FIR named a total of six individuals, including Yadav, leading to the eventual arrest of five, who have since been released on bail. The charges framed against these individuals consisted of violations under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 120B, necessitating swift legal action.
The inquiry, initially managed by the Sector 49 police station, got transferred to the Sector 20 police station to bolster the investigation efforts. “The accused has been arrested by a team of Sector 20 police station which was investigating the case,” Additional DCP (Noida) Manish Mishra conveyed to the media.
Yadav has actively protested his innocence and previously cooperated with police interrogation. The case took a dramatic turn when the investigating local sub-inspector was removed from his position amidst the probing. The allegations pointed towards a banquet hall in Sector 51, where five individuals were apprehended and charged, while nine snakes, including five cobras, were taken under protective custody.
The Noida Police was quick to clarify that Yadav was not present at the specific venue during the sting operation. However, questions concerning his involvement in the matter persisted. Public opinion, especially from high-profile individuals such as PFA chairperson and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi, turned against Yadav, as they accused him of participating in the illegal trade of snake venom and called for his immediate arrest.
This case has not only brought to light the underground trafficking of wildlife by-products but has also highlighted the unforeseen pitfalls that public figures can encounter. The legal system is now tasked with unraveling the extent of each accused person’s involvement, including Elvish Yadav’s, in a complex scenario that involves drug misuse, wildlife protection, and the perils of presumed guilt.
At present, the investigation continues as agencies work to verify the facts of this bizarre case. Meanwhile, the social media sphere buzzes with speculation and concern, as fans and followers of both Elvish Yadav and Munawar Faruqui await further developments, hoping for both clarity and justice in this entangled web of accusations and affiliations.
