In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken action against popular YouTuber Siddharth Yadav, better known as Elvish Yadav, and singer Rahul Yadav, also known as Fazilpuriya. The ED, in its ongoing investigation into money laundering allegations, has attached assets belonging to both individuals as part of the ‘Wildlife case’.
The ED, based in Lucknow, has provisionally attached properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. These properties include agricultural land in Bijnor District, Uttar Pradesh, and bank balances belonging to both Rahul Yadav and Elvish Yadav, along with those of M/s Sky Digital India Pvt. Ltd.
The ED’s action comes after a thorough investigation that stemmed from a complaint filed by the Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) district police in Uttar Pradesh. The police had earlier registered a case and charged Elvish Yadav and others with violations under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The crux of the allegation lies in the claim that Rahul Yadav and Elvish Yadav used snakes in their music videos and vlogs without proper authorization, thereby perpetrating cruelty towards wildlife.
The central agency, ED, had initiated its investigation in May of this year after taking cognizance of the FIR and charge sheet filed by the Noida police. Following its investigation, the ED has identified the Proceeds of Crime linked to the alleged unlawful activities and has consequently attached both movable and immovable properties.
Elvish Yadav, who rose to fame after winning the popular reality show Bigg Boss OTT 2, was previously arrested in March by the Noida police in relation to their investigation. The police suspected the use of snake venom as a recreational drug in parties hosted by Yadav. He was subsequently charged under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The initial FIR, filed in November of last year, stemmed from a complaint lodged by a representative of the animal rights NGO People for Animals (PFA). The complaint named six individuals, including Elvish Yadav.
The ED has indicated that its investigation is ongoing and further developments are anticipated. The attachment of assets belonging to Elvish Yadav and Rahul Yadav is a significant development in the case and underscores the seriousness of the allegations.
