The video, titled "Traditional Peacock Curry Recipe," went viral, prompting police action.
A YouTuber from Telangana’s Sircilla was arrested on Sunday after a video of him preparing and consuming ‘peacock curry’ went viral on the internet. The video faced massive backlash on social media with people accusing the YouTuber, Kodam Pranay Kumar, of promoting illegal wildlife consumption. Kumar is now facing charges under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The national bird of India, peacock is protected under Section 51 (1-A) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and its hunting and killing are strictly prohibited.
The video, titled ‘Traditional Peacock Curry Recipe’ was taken down from Kumar’s YouTube channel following the controversy.
The forest department arrested the YouTuber and inspected the area where he cooked the ‘peacock curry’ and shot the video.
Forest officials also collected Kumar’s blood samples and the portions of the curry and sent them for testing. According to police, action would be taken if the test turns out to be positive for peacock meat. Authorities are also verifying the authenticity of the said video.
“A case was registered under relevant sections and strictest action would be taken against him and anyone else doing such activities,” said Sircilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Akhil Mahajan.
