The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money laundering investigation against well-known YouTuber Siddharth Yadav, who goes by the alias Elvish Yadav. The probe comes in the wake of allegations that he hosted parties where snake venom was allegedly used as a recreational drug. The action by the ED follows the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a charge sheet filed by the Gautam Buddh Nagar district police in Uttar Pradesh last month. These documents outline serious allegations against Yadav and his associates, leading to charges under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Yadav, who gained national fame not only through his YouTube channel but also as a winner of the reality show Bigg Boss OTT 2, was taken into custody on March 17 by Noida Police. The police¡¯s investigation focused on suspected activities at parties hosted by Yadav, where snake venom was purportedly used as a recreational substance. This arrest marked a significant turn in the career of the 26-year-old social media star.
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The investigation was spurred by a complaint from a representative of the animal rights NGO, People for Animals (PFA). This led to the arrest of five individuals, identified as snake charmers, at a banquet hall in Noida last November. Police raids at the event also led to the rescue of nine snakes, including five cobras, and the seizure of 20 ml of suspected snake venom. Although Yadav was not present at the location during the raid, his alleged connection to the venue and event brought him under intense scrutiny.
In April, the police filed an extensive 1,200-page charge sheet against Yadav and others, implicating them in activities including snake trafficking, the use of psychotropic substances, and organising illicit rave parties. The charges span several serious laws, including the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Wildlife Protection Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The ED's investigation aims to trace the financial transactions linked to these illegal activities. This scrutiny is part of the ED's broader mandate to investigate financial crimes and money laundering activities.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Yadav and his associates are expected to face intensive questioning by the ED. This not only puts Yadav¡¯s social media career at risk but could also lead to severe legal consequences if found guilty.
The case has attracted significant media attention, partly due to Yadav's celebrity status and the sensational nature of the allegations involving protected wildlife and controlled substances. Social media reactions have been mixed, with Yadav's fans rallying for his innocence, while critics express outrage over the alleged criminal activities.
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The unfolding legal drama around Elvish Yadav represents a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the public eye. As the ED continues its probe into the financial aspects of these allegations, the outcome will not only determine Yadav's legal fate but also serve as a cautionary tale for celebrities and influencers about the potential pitfalls of fame. As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge, which could decisively impact Yadav¡¯s public image and career trajectory.
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