Vikram Video Triggers Probe; 11 Exotic Animals Seized in Erode
The animals have been placed under seizure and are currently being kept at the same facility under the supervision of forest officials
CHENNAI: A video of actor Vikram cuddling a pair of Lar gibbons at the residence of Chennai businessman C K Ranganathan has triggered a wider Forest Department investigation, leading to the seizure of 11 exotic animals, including seven African serval cats, from an Erode facility linked to exotic-animal trader S K Keshavanathan.
The video, posted on Instagram and subsequently going viral, prompted forest officials to trace the origin and movement of the gibbons. The inquiry led officials to inspect Keshavanathan’s facility, where they found a collection of exotic birds, mammals and reptiles.
The seized animals include two adult male servals, two adult females and three kittens, besides a male and female Lar gibbon and a pair of tufted capuchins.
The animals have been placed under seizure and are currently being kept at the same facility under the supervision of forest officials. They may be shifted to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur or another recognised rescue centre, subject to court directions.
Officials said Keshavanathan initially appeared before the Erode District Forest Officer and assured the department that he would cooperate with the inquiry and submit the necessary documents. However, he subsequently went absconding, prompting officials to intensify efforts to trace him.
The Forest Department has registered a wildlife offence case and is examining the source of the animals, the chain of their transfers and whether mandatory possession, transfer and birth declarations were made as required under law.
The department is also questioning how the exotic animals came to be housed at the facility and whether any of them had been transferred to third parties, including individuals in Chennai. Investigators are expected to examine available records, documents and other evidence to establish the animals’ ownership and movement.
The Lar gibbon is listed under CITES Appendix I and enjoys the highest level of international protection. Officials said violations involving protected species could attract stringent action under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The department is further examining whether the seized animals were legally possessed, transferred or bred and is tracing their entire movement history as part of the investigation.
