Elvish Yadav’s separate vlog featuring similar wildlife content yielded ₹84,000, which has also been attached by the ED.
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into wildlife violations and financial irregularities, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav and Punjabi singer Rahul Yadav, known professionally as Fazilpuria, in a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Gurugram. The filing, made on October 16, 2025, also names Chandigarh-based production company Sky Digital as an accused entity in the case. The court has taken cognizance of the chargesheet and issued summons to the accused, setting the stage for further legal proceedings.
The case originates from a 2023 music video titled “32 Bore,” featuring Elvish Yadav and produced by Sky Digital, in which protected wildlife species, including snakes and an iguana, were used for commercial purposes. This led to an initial First Information Report (FIR) by Noida Police under the Wildlife Protection Act, alleging violations through the illegal procurement and use of venomous snakes. Elvish Yadav was arrested in March 2024 in connection with the supply of snake venom and live snakes for rave parties in the National Capital Region (NCR). Following his arrest, the ED initiated a parallel probe under PMLA to trace the financial trails linked to these offenses.
According to the ED’s investigation, the “32 Bore” video generated approximately ₹52 lakh in revenue primarily through YouTube views and promotions. A substantial portion of this income—around ₹50 lakh—was allegedly used to purchase a three-acre plot of land in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. The agency has classified these earnings as “proceeds of crime” due to the illegal use of protected species in the video’s production. In addition, Elvish Yadav’s separate vlog featuring similar wildlife content yielded ₹84,000, which has also been attached by the ED.
Financial seizures under PMLA include ₹3 lakh from the personal bank accounts of Elvish Yadav and Fazilpuria, along with ₹2 lakh from Sky Digital’s account, totaling ₹5 lakh in cash attachments. Overall, properties and assets valued at ₹55 lakh belonging to the accused have been frozen as part of the probe. The chargesheet details how the accused generated, acquired, possessed, and used these funds in violation of anti-money laundering laws, with the commercial exploitation of wildlife forming the core of the predicate offense.
Fazilpuria, credited as the creator of “32 Bore,” received ₹50 lakh for the project’s commercial aspects, which the ED links directly to the laundered proceeds. Sky Digital, responsible for shooting the video, is accused of facilitating the illegal activities by incorporating protected animals into the content. Elvish Yadav’s role extended to promoting the video on his YouTube channel, further amplifying the revenue stream from what the agency deems unlawful sources.
The ED’s Lucknow zonal office had summoned both Elvish Yadav and Fazilpuria in September 2024 for questioning, where details of their income sources and asset acquisitions were scrutinized. This interrogation laid the groundwork for the chargesheet, which spans multiple pages and incorporates evidence from bank records, property documents, and YouTube analytics. The Noida Police’s earlier raids had uncovered a network involved in supplying snakes and venom, with Elvish Yadav named as a key figure.
As the Gurugram court prepares to hear from the accused following the summons, the case underscores the intersection of digital content creation, wildlife conservation laws, and financial regulations in India. The ED’s actions highlight its mandate to dismantle money trails from environmental crimes, ensuring that revenues from such violations are not legitimized through investments like real estate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the basis of the ED chargesheet against Elvish Yadav and Fazilpuria?
The chargesheet stems from the illegal use of protected wildlife, such as snakes and an iguana, in the “32 Bore” music video, leading to money laundering allegations under PMLA. The video’s ₹52 lakh earnings were used to buy land in Bijnor, with assets worth ₹55 lakh attached.
2. What financial actions has the ED taken in the Elvish Yadav and Fazilpuria case?
The ED has seized ₹5 lakh from bank accounts (₹3 lakh from the accused and ₹2 lakh from Sky Digital) and attached ₹55 lakh in properties, including ₹84,000 from Elvish Yadav’s vlog revenue, classifying them as proceeds of crime.
3. What is the current status of the ED case against Elvish Yadav and Fazilpuria?
The Gurugram PMLA court has taken cognizance of the chargesheet filed on October 16, 2025, and issued summons to the accused, including Sky Digital, for further proceedings.