A YouTuber from Telangana’s Sircilla district has found himself in legal trouble after posting a controversial video showing the preparation and consumption of ‘ Peacock Curry ’. The video, which went viral on social media, triggered widespread outrage and calls for action against Kodam Pranay Kumar , the man behind the video. The Indian peacock , known for its vibrant colours and majestic appearance, is not only a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act but is also India’s National Bird.
The video, uploaded to Kumar’s YouTube channel, showed him cooking and eating the curry, a stunt allegedly pulled to attract more views. However, the response was far from what he might have anticipated. Social media users condemned the video, accusing Kumar of promoting illegal wildlife consumption and disrespecting a national symbol.
The backlash led to swift action from the local authorities. A team from the forest department, upon receiving information about the video, raided Kumar's home in Tangallapalli village. They recovered the remaining portions of the curry and collected samples for forensic analysis to confirm whether it indeed contained peacock meat.
The Sircilla Superintendent of Police, Akhil Mahajan, confirmed that a case was registered against Kumar under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act. “We will take the strictest action against him and anyone else involved in such activities,” Mahajan stated. He emphasised that the video not only promoted the killing of a protected species but also violated national laws that safeguard wildlife.
Following the uproar, the video was removed from Kumar’s YouTube channel. However, the damage had already been done. The local police detained Kumar, and his blood samples, along with the curry, were sent for laboratory testing.
If the tests confirm that the curry was made from peacock meat, Kumar could face severe legal consequences. The Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus, is a species admired for its stunning appearance, particularly the male's iridescent blue-green plumage and elaborate tail feathers. The bird's striking beauty and cultural significance have earned it the status of India's National Bird.
The Wildlife Protection Act prohibits the hunting, capturing, or harming of peacocks, reflecting the nation's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. This incident has sparked a broader discussion on the responsibilities of content creators and the potential consequences of using shock value to gain online attention. Authorities hope that this case will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar illegal activities for social media fame.
(Thumb Image courtesy: X/@sudhakarudumula).
