Indian actor's video with endangered gibbon sparks investigation

According to the BBC, Indian actor Vikram is facing an inquiry following the circulation of a video that showed him interacting with an endangered gibbon. The footage, which has since been deleted from social media platforms, depicted the Tamil star cuddling the primate, sparking immediate concern among wildlife conservationists and authorities.

Officials have launched an investigation to determine the origin of the animal and how it was brought into India. Under Indian wildlife protection laws, the possession and handling of endangered species without proper authorization is strictly prohibited. Authorities are currently tracing the timeline of the video to establish whether the interaction took place within the country or abroad, and whether any laws regarding the illegal trade or transport of wildlife were violated.

This incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of celebrity influence on the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation groups have frequently warned that social media content featuring exotic animals can inadvertently normalize the ownership of endangered species, fueling demand in the black market. The investigation remains ongoing as forestry officials coordinate with law enforcement to verify the details surrounding the animal's welfare and legal status.