Viral Lar Gibbon Video Prompts Wildlife Probe Across States and Countries
A viral video of actor Vikram with a Lar Gibbon has triggered an investigation by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department into the animal's origin and ownership. The inquiry is tracing a complex trail from a private Chennai home to Manipur and potentially Malaysia.
Key takeaways
- A viral video featuring actor Vikram and a Lar Gibbon has led to a wildlife investigation by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
- The inquiry is examining the legal import and possession of the endangered gibbon, with a documented trail extending to Manipur and Malaysia.
- Officials are scrutinizing the transfer of gibbons from a Manipur stockholder to an Erode resident, as well as discrepancies in the number of animals found.
An inquiry launched by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department is investigating the origins and ownership of a Lar Gibbon after a video of actor Vikram with the animal gained widespread attention on social media. The video, which was later deleted, reportedly originated from a private residence in Chennai.
The investigation is examining the legality of possessing and transferring exotic wildlife, with a documented trail leading from Chennai to Erode, then to Manipur, and according to official records, to Malaysia. Wildlife activists have raised concerns about the gibbon's welfare and the circumstances of its possession.
What Happened
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department initiated an inquiry following a viral video showing actor Vikram interacting with a Lar Gibbon. This video appears to have been filmed at the residence of businessman C K Ranganathan in Injambakkam, Chennai. Ranganathan is the father-in-law of Vikram's daughter. The department is seeking ownership and statutory documents pertaining to the animal.
Following the controversy, it was reported that the gibbon had been moved from Ranganathan's Chennai property to Erode. However, subsequent inspections by forest officials in Erode found only two gibbons, a male and a female, at the premises of S K Keshavanathan, who had reportedly applied for the adoption of three animals. Officials are investigating the discrepancy, including the possibility of an undocumented transfer or the death of one gibbon.
Background
The Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is native to Southeast Asia and is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, indicating that international commercial trade is subject to strict restrictions. In India, the species is protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, requiring specific import and possession permissions, which involve documentation from CITES, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, and relevant wildlife authorities.
Key Facts
- A video of actor Vikram with a Lar Gibbon went viral on social media before being deleted.
- The video is believed to have been filmed at the Chennai residence of businessman C K Ranganathan.
- The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has begun investigating the gibbon's journey and ownership.
- The gibbon was reportedly moved from Chennai to Erode after the video controversy.
- Initial records show a Manipur-based stockholder, Laikhuram Singh, declared eight Lar Gibbons in 2020, with Malaysia listed as their country of origin.
- Records indicate a transfer of three gibbons (one male, two females) from Laikhuram Singh to S K Keshavanathan in Erode on June 5, 2026, for "adoption."
- This transfer application was awaiting approval from Tamil Nadu's Chief Wildlife Warden.
- Officials inspecting S K Keshavanathan's premises in Erode found only two gibbons, a male and a female.
- S K Keshavanathan informed officials that one of the three applied-for animals had died.
- Officials plan to verify the claim of the animal's death and investigate potential undocumented transfers.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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