New Delhi: The Newspaper Association of India (NAI) has recently penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing grave concerns over the safety and dignity of journalists in the nation. The letter highlights the actions of YouTuber Elvish Yadav, who has been accused of engaging in reprehensible behaviour towards members of the Indian media community.
Elvish Yadav’s actions, as outlined in the letter, include making derogatory remarks against journalists, particularly targeting women and young reporters associated with India News. The NAI also raises concerns about Yadav’s involvement in activities such as snake smuggling and participation in illicit rave parties, which further exacerbate the severity of his misconduct.
Of particular concern are the threats of violence directed towards journalists, including Gaurav Gupta and Saurabh Gupta, senior journalists and wildlife activists. These individuals were involved in a sting operation conducted by the Noida Police on November 3, 2023, which uncovered illegal activities allegedly linked to Elvish Yadav. The threats issued by Yadav and his associates not only endanger the lives of these individuals but also undermine the fundamental principles of a free and independent press.
READ MORE : Gurugram police to file ATR before court in Elvish Yadav snake venom case
The letter underscores the importance of addressing issues of safety and respect for journalists, particularly in the face of threats and intimidation from individuals like Elvish Yadav. It calls for collective action to protect the freedom and integrity of the press, which are essential pillars of democracy.
Elvish Yadav, a Gurugram-based YouTuber, gained significant attention last year when he was arrested following an FIR filed by Maneka Gandhi, a former politician turned animal activist. Gandhi accused Yadav of distributing snake venom at rave parties in Noida. However, Yadav swiftly responded by publishing his video portion, denying any involvement in such activities.
Yadav rose to fame after winning Bigg Boss OTT 2 in 2023, becoming a household name. Despite entering the show midway, he emerged as the first wild card winner, defeating.
