Mired in many controversies, Elvish Yadav continues to enjoy immense popularity
The 27-year-old has been mired in several legal battles in the past, and has even drawn public criticism over many incidents. However, the YouTuber, who won the Season 2 of Bigg Boss OTT 2 in 2023, continues to be immensely popular.
The YouTuber has been accused of supplying snake venom for recreational use at rave parties in Noida. Following a complaint by nonprofit People for Animals (PFA), the Noida Police raided a Sector 51 banquet hall on November 3, 2023, seizing nine venomous snakes, including five cobras, and 20 ml of venom. Forensic tests confirmed that cobra and krait venom was found during the searches.
Yadav was named in the FIR. He was issued a notice under Section 41 of the CrPC on November 7, 2023. He was arrested on March 17, 2024, under the Wildlife Protection Act, NDPS Act, and IPC Section 120B (criminal conspiracy). He spent 14 days in judicial custody before securing bail.
The Enforcement Directorate initiated a money laundering probe against the YouTuber in May 2024. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court stayed trial court proceedings after Yadav's counsel argued that no snakes or narcotics were recovered from him.
The case remains pending, with animal activist Saurabh Gupta alleging death threats from Yadav's associates.
Yadav was booked by the Gurugram Police in March 2024 for assaulting YouTuber Sagar Thakur (Maxtern) at a shopping mall.
A viral video purportedly showed Yadav attacking Thakur who alleged that Yadav tried to 'break his spine' and issued death threats.
Yadav claimed Thakur provoked him with threats to 'burn his parents alive' and suggested the incident was staged. An FIR was filed for rioting and criminal intimidation, but Thakur later withdrew the complaint after reconciliation.
Last February, a purported video, which was widely shared on social media, captured Yadav slapping a man at a Jaipur restaurant allegedly over derogatory remarks about his family. Yadav justified his actions in an audio clip, claiming provocation. No legal action was reported following the incident.
During a podcast with Rajat Dalal earlier this year in February, Yadav made remarks about Bigg Boss 18 finalist Chum Darang, and was accused of mocking her name, ethnicity, and role in Bollywood movie 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'. The comments sparked outrage, with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women condemning him. The National Commission for Women summoned Yadav on April 22.
He issued an apology, removed the offensive segment, and claimed his remarks were misconstrued.
Yadav posted a vlog in February, claiming that the Rajasthan Police provided him a convoy during a Jaipur visit, showing police vehicles trailing his car. The video, featuring former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas's son, led to allegations of police favouritism.
Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph denied providing security, stating the vehicles were routine patrol units. An FIR was filed against Yadav for spreading 'false propaganda'. The video showed Yadav's car bypassing a toll booth without payment.
Last year, Yadav was also accused of misbehaving with a journalist in Jammu after refusing a fan's photo request and snatching the journalist's microphone. Viral videos claimed he was mobbed, but Yadav dismissed claims of an attack as a 'fake narrative'. No formal legal action was reported.
In March last year, Yadav's parents revealed in an interview that he fabricated aspects of his lifestyle on social media to project a glamorous image, driven by engagement goals.
After Bigg Boss OTT, Yadav's friendship with runner-up Abhishek Malhan soured, with both accusing each other of orchestrating negative PR campaigns. The public dispute fueled online debates among their fanbases.
Yadav reported receiving a Rs 1 crore extortion demand via WhatsApp while in London, accompanied by death threats in 2023. A police complaint led to the arrest of the accused. 'The police, they caught the guy in six hours from Gujarat. He was an RTO agent who got my phone number from my car's registration,' he said. When asked if Yadav actually met the person after his arrest, he said that he was given the option but he chose not to meet him.
Delhi Police summoned Yadav last March in connection with a Rs 500-crore investment fraud, involving the HIBOX mobile application. Over 500 complaints alleged that influencers, including Yadav, promoted the app, luring people into investing. The investigation continues, with no specific charges against Yadav reported yet.
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