Actor Vikram Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Video Featuring Rare Monkey A video shared by actor Vikram on his Instagram account, depicting him interacting with a rare monkey, has sparked controversy and prompted an investigation by wildlife authorities. The footage, which was posted two days prior, has been removed following public outcry over the legality of keeping the animal. The incident has drawn attention to the strict regulations surrounding the trade and movement of endangered species, particularly the "Lar Gibbon," a critically endangered primate listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The monkey in the video, identified as a Lar Gibbon, is classified as a species at risk of extinction, and its international trade is entirely prohibited under CITES. According to wildlife officials, the animal must undergo rigorous legal processes for any transfer between countries, including permits from the Indian government’s Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), documentation from the National Wildlife Trust, and approval from state-level wildlife authorities. The controversy arose after social media users questioned whether the monkey was legally imported or if it was obtained through illegal means. Vikram’s team initially defended the video, but the actor later deleted it amid growing scrutiny. Wildlife officials confirmed they are investigating how the monkey arrived in Tamil Nadu, as the species is native to Southeast Asia and is not permitted under Indian law without proper documentation. The case highlights the complexities of wildlife conservation laws. According to a statement by the principal wildlife warden, Rajesh Kumar Togra, the monkey’s origin and the legality of its possession are under review.#vikram #lar_gibbon #wildlife_crime_control_bureau #national_wildlife_trust #rajesh_kumar_togra
