YouTuber in Hot Water for ‘Peacock Curry’ Video, Faces Criminal Charges 2024

A YouTuber from Telangana, India, has landed in serious legal trouble after posting a controversial video that featured a recipe for what he called a “traditional peacock curry.” The video quickly caught the attention of authorities and animal rights activists, leading to swift action against the content creator.

The peacock, India’s national bird, is protected under the country’s wildlife laws, making it illegal to hunt, capture, or own the species. Violating these strict regulations can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. The video, which depicted the preparation of a dish using peacock meat, sparked outrage and led to a criminal investigation.

Police have launched a manhunt for the YouTuber, identified as Kodam Pranay Kumar, who hails from Tangallapalli in the Siricilla district. Kumar is now facing charges for promoting the illegal killing of peacocks, a serious offense under Indian law.

“A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the law, and we will take the strictest action against Kumar and anyone else involved in this illegal activity,” said Akhil Mahajan, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Rajanna Siricilla district, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

In a subsequent post, Mahajan confirmed that Kumar would also be taken into custody once apprehended.

The video, which has since been removed from YouTube, has sparked widespread condemnation. Animal rights groups are demanding stringent action against Kumar to send a clear message that such acts of wildlife exploitation will not be tolerated.

Kumar is no stranger to controversial content. In past videos, he has demonstrated how to prepare dishes using wild boar meat and other exotic animals. However, this latest incident has crossed a line, drawing the ire of both the public and law enforcement.

The case highlights the growing concern over the use of social media platforms to promote illegal activities, particularly those involving wildlife. Authorities are now urging content creators to be more responsible and mindful of the legal implications of their actions.

As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on how such incidents are handled by both law enforcement and social media platforms, especially in cases involving protected species and illegal hunting. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar offenses are dealt with in the future.