The investigation, linked to an FIR registered on November 2, 2023, follows a complaint by Gaurav Gupta of animal rights group People for Animals (PFA), founded by former MP Maneka Gandhi. The FIR alleged that the duo used snakes and iguanas during song shoots and social media content.
Chandigarh-based Sky Digital India, its director Gurkaran Singh Dhaliwal, and others have also been named in the charge sheet.
ED’s Key Findings
1. Wildlife Used in Two Videos
Investigators confirmed that live snakes and iguanas appeared in two separate videos — the song ‘32 Bore’ released on Fazilpuria’s YouTube channel featuring Elvish Yadav, and one of Elvish’s vlogs that included a scene referencing “a Russian at Fazilpuria’s shoot.”
Both videos violated Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, making them offences under the PMLA.
2. Illegal Earnings Identified
According to the ED, Sky Digital India paid Fazilpuria ₹50 lakh for the song’s rights, which earned ₹1,24,067 on YouTube. Elvish Yadav’s vlog earned ₹84,000 in ad revenue. These earnings were classified as proceeds of crime.
3. Property Attached
The ED has attached assets equivalent to the illegal income:
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Agricultural land in Bijnor (U.P.) owned by Fazilpuria worth ₹50 lakh
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Fixed deposits worth ₹1,24,068 in Sky Digital India’s name
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Fixed deposit of ₹84,000 in Elvish Yadav’s ICICI Bank account
4. Punishable Under PMLA
The charge sheet states that all accused earned, possessed, and utilized proceeds of illegal activities, making them liable under Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering Act.
Accused and Their Alleged Roles
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Elvish Yadav: Featured live snakes and iguanas in his vlog; earned ₹84,000 from the video.
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Rahul Fazilpuria (Rahul Yadav): Produced and starred in ‘32 Bore’, allegedly using protected species; earned ₹50 lakh.
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Sky Digital India: Digital distributor and monetization partner.
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Gurkaran Singh Dhaliwal: Company director who handled content and payments.
How Elvish Was Caught: PFA’s Sting Operation
PFA member Gaurav Gupta revealed that Elvish was trapped through a sting operation. Acting on intelligence that Elvish allegedly organized rave parties featuring snake venom and live snakes, activists posed as clients requesting cobra venom for a Noida event.
During the police raid, five accused were arrested and nine snakes — including five cobras, a python, two sand boas, and a rat snake — along with 20 ml of snake venom were recovered.
Elvish Yadav was arrested by Noida Police on March 17, 2024, and jailed for five days before being granted bail by a Gurugram court.
PFA Welcomes Action
Complainant Gaurav Gupta said the case highlights the misuse of wildlife for fame and entertainment. He stated that police had charged Elvish under Sections 9, 39, 48A, 49, 50, and 51 of the Wildlife Act and Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC.
Investigators also confirmed that five cobras had their venom glands surgically removed, and 20 ml of venom was seized from Fazilpuria.
Elvish’s Petition in High Court
In April 2024, Elvish filed a petition in the High Court, contesting the police chargesheet. He claimed no snake or venom was recovered from him and denied any association with the other accused, urging the court to quash the charges.
Background and Popularity
Elvish Yadav rose to fame through YouTube vlogs and as the winner of Bigg Boss OTT, while Rahul Fazilpuria is known for his hit Haryanvi tracks like ‘32 Bore’ and ‘Yaar Mod Do’. Both enjoy a massive youth following on social media.
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