Introduction
Popular YouTube influencer Elvish Yadav has been involved in a sensational case over the use of snake venom at rave parties. It was confirmed by the authorities that those snakes were illegally obtained and were used as a party drug, with Yadav’s name mentioned in the inquiry.
The case resulted in Wildlife Protection Act, IPC, and NDPS Act charges. In May 2025, the Allahabad High Court rejected Yadav’s petition to rescind the chargesheet and summons as the allegations were serious and deserved to be considered at trial. The case has focused on the seamy underbelly of social media popularity and suspected animal cruelty.
Background of the case
All of it started in November 2023, when a rave party was raided by the Noida Police, which was allegedly organized by YouTuber Elvish Yadav. During the raid, numerous live snakes were found, including cobras and many endangered species, and snake venom that was suspected to be used as a party drug by the officials.
Five people were arrested at the scene, and under interrogation, they allegedly said that Yadav arranged for the snakes. Visuals from the party—videos of partygoers with snakes on their heads and shoulders—led to public outrage and prompted a larger investigation.
The case relates to alleged contraventions of the Wildlife Protection Act, Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Despite denying the allegations, Elvish Yadav was produced in court with legal proceedings culminating in a chargesheet and summons, which he requested to be dismissed.
FIR in the Elvish Yadav Case
After a raid by the police on a rave party in Noida in November 2023, when some live snakes and suspected venom of snakes were seized, an FIR (First Information Report) was filed against several people. The FIR was based on serious charges under the Wildlife Protection Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the NDPS Act.
Even though Elvish Yadav was not arrested first, his name cropped up later on. Testimony of the persons arrested along with corroborative video evidence prompted the police to add him to the case, and subsequently, a chargesheet and summons were issued.
Recent outcomes of the case
1) Allahabad High Court Rejects Plea (May 2025): Elvish Yadav filed a petition for the cancellation of the chargesheet and court summons issued against him. On May 12, 2025, the Allahabad High Court rejected his plea, stating that the allegations were serious and needed to be scrutinized during the trial period.
2) Court’s Observation: The court made clear that Yadav’s arguments—like no recovery being made against him and procedural failures in the case—are questions of evidence and cannot be a reason to suspend the legal proceedings at this stage.
3) Trial Will Proceed: With the rejection of his petition, Elvish Yadav will now have to stand before the trial court and be charged under the:
a) Wildlife Protection Act
b) Indian Penal Code (IPC)
c) Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
4)Legal Scrutiny Escalates: The judiciary also observed that Yadav had not questioned the legitimacy of the FIR itself, strengthening the position that his purported role has to be scrutinized through due judicial process.
Conclusion
The Snake Venom Case against Elvish Yadav shows the increased responsibility that public figures have in recent times of the internet. Even as a celebrity, the judicial system has made it clear that serious charges, particularly those related to wildlife crimes and drug abuse, have to be dealt with according to due process.
With the Allahabad High Court rejecting his petition to cancel the charges, Yadav will now have to go to trial. The verdict will be based on how the evidence holds up in court, but the case has already sent a clear message regarding the repercussions of suspected illegal activity, regardless of one’s popular image.
About the author
Agnimitra is a law student at the Department of Law, Hazra Campus, Calcutta University, Kolkata, with a growing passion for legal writing and research. Deeply interested in Intellectual Property Law, International Law, and issues related to Women and Child Safety, Agnimitra enjoys exploring how the law modernizes itself to the changing times of society. Whether it’s through writing articles or diving into legal debates, Agnimitra is always eager to understand and share the evolving nuances of the legal world.