Elvish Yadav, a 26-year-old YouTuber, was arrested by the Noida Police and put in jail on Sunday because of his involvement in a case related to snake venom. He has apparently admitted to committing the crime. This happened about a month after authorities found out that snake venom, from Cobra and Krait snakes, was being used as drugs at a party in Noida last year.
Last year, the police caught five people in Noida Sector 51 for smuggling snakes. These people confessed that they used to give snake venom to Yadav, who would then supply it to parties. The case was filed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Indian Penal Code.
Let’s break down the case.
An organization called ‘People for Animals’, led by Maneka Gandhi, complained against Elvish Yadav and five others for allegedly providing snake venom at a party in Noida. They conducted a secret operation where they asked Yadav to arrange a party and get Cobra venom.
On November 2, Yadav and five others, including snake charmers, were arrested for supplying snake venom for recreational use. They were charged under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and Section 120A (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. The police found snakes with the five arrested individuals – Rahul, Titunath, Jayakaran, Narayan, and Ravinath.
The police also found a video of Elvish Yadav with two snakes. Yadav, who initially denied involvement, later told the police that Bollywood singer Fazilpura had arranged the reptiles. He claimed no connection to rave parties and said the snakes belonged to a production house.
Elvish Yadav, also known as ‘Rao Sahab’, is a popular digital content creator known for his comedy. He’s from Gurgaon, Haryana, with a net worth of Rs 7 crore. He attended Amity International School in Gurgaon and later studied Bachelor of Commerce at Hans Raj College in Delhi. His father, Ram Avtar Singh Yadav, worked as a lecturer, while his mother, Sushma Yadav, is a homemaker.
Snake venom is allegedly used to induce intoxication, especially at rave parties. It doesn’t create an alcohol-like high but can affect the nervous system and psychological processes.
Neurotoxins in snake venom can impact neurotransmission, potentially leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and changes in mental state. Venom affects muscarinic receptors, influencing psychological processes like memory and learning.
Studies suggest that up to 60% of snakebites are ‘dry’ (without venom). Cobra venom has properties similar to morphine, releasing chemicals like serotonin and bradykinin into the bloodstream, causing effects like drowsiness or calmness.
According to the National Institutes of Health, substances like burnt lizard carcasses, toxic honey, Spanish flies, and cantharides are also used for doping at rave parties.
What Are Rave Parties, Are They Illegal in India?
Rave parties, also known as underground parties, started in the 1980s. They’re gatherings where people listen to music and dance throughout the night, often attended by hippies or bohemians. These parties kick off around midnight and last until early morning.
At rave parties, various drugs like cocaine, MDMA, LSD, cannabis, and others are often distributed.
While attending rave parties itself isn’t illegal in India – meaning you can dance and enjoy music within certain limits – many activities associated with these parties, like using illegal drugs and other rituals, break the law.
Involving minors, drug dealing, and fatal drug overdoses are some reasons why rave parties are considered illegal in India.
