'Feels like Independence Day’: Elvish Yadav questions media trial in 'fake' snake venom case

NEW DELHI: Elvish Yadav, YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT winner has reacted after the Supreme Court on Thurday has quashed an FIR and criminal proceedings against him in a case linked to the alleged use of snake venom at a rave party in UP's Noida, saying he now felt “free” and calling it his “Independence Day”.Following the verdict, Yadav said he always trusted the judicial system but questioned who would compensate him and his family for the distress they endured.

Elvish Yadav was booked by the Uttar Pradesh Police in November 2023 and later arrested on March 17, 2024, as part of an investigation into the suspected use of snake venom as a recreational drug. He was among six people named in an FIR registered at Sector 49 police station in Noida.

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh ruled that the case could not stand in law, noting that the complaint under the Wildlife (Protection) Act had not been filed by an authorised person.In a video shared on X, Yadav expressed relief after the ruling and said he felt vindicated."I am very happy today. The Supreme Court has quashed the snake-related case against me. I always had faith in our judicial system that justice would prevail.

Those who have done wrong will be punished, and those who are innocent will be saved," he said.He thanked the judiciary and said he now felt “free” after the case was dismissed.Recalling his arrest, he said, "Exactly two years ago, on March 17, 2024, I was arrested in this false case. Since November 2023, when the case was registered, I have been saying that I had done nothing wrong."Yadav also alleged that media coverage caused significant hardship for him and his family."The media ran continuous reports claiming I was guilty. My family faced immense harassment. For over two-and-a-half years, there was a stigma attached to my name and my family suffered greatly," he said.Calling the verdict a turning point, he added, "Today is a big day for me. Everything is fine now as the case has been won. Satyamev Jayate (truth prevails)."However, he raised concerns about the consequences of the case on his personal life."I have just one question — who will compensate for the harassment that my family and I faced? Will anyone apologise for the false narratives and the turmoil created?" he said.He clarified that he was not seeking an apology but wondered how the loss of time and suffering could be addressed.Yadav said he now wants to move forward and thanked his supporters for standing by him."I hope no one has to go through such a tough time. My comeback was strong because I had the support of my family and well-wishers. Thank you to everyone who stood by me and trusted me. The Supreme Court has proved it today," he said.