Vikram’s Lar Gibbon controversy: Actor’s connection explained as Forest Department investigation traces monkey to Erode resident

A recent viral video featuring actor Vikram and a monkey rapidly escalated into a significant wildlife controversy, capturing public attention and prompting an official inquiry. The animal in the footage was identified as a Lar Gibbon, a species native to Southeast Asia, immediately raising concerns about its presence in India and the legality of its possession. Following the removal of the video from Vikram’s Instagram account, the Forest Department initiated a thorough investigation.

The Forest Department’s inquiry revealed that the video was recorded at the residence of M.K. Muthu, who is the elder son of the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Vikram’s connection to the location stemmed from his daughter’s marriage into Muthu’s family. During his visit, the actor interacted with the monkey and filmed the now-viral clip. Investigators also discovered that the animal had been brought to the residence with the intent of being sold. As part of their investigation, Forest Department officials questioned Vikram while he was occupied with a film shoot. Crucially, the department has officially clarified that Vikram had no involvement in either the purchase or sale of the monkey, thereby exonerating him from any wrongdoing in the matter.

The investigation ultimately led authorities to Kesavanathan, a resident of Perundurai in the Erode district, who was identified as the animal’s owner. The Forest Department issued a notice to Kesavanathan and subjected him to extensive questioning regarding the Lar Gibbon. During the interrogation, officials learned that Kesavanathan had acquired the monkey from Manipur on June 1st. Furthermore, it was revealed that he had also purchased two other monkeys of the same species. A critical violation identified by the authorities was that none of these animals had been registered with the Forest Department within the stipulated timeframe, which is a clear contravention of existing wildlife protection regulations. Consequently, a case has been filed against him for these regulatory lapses. Adding to Kesavanathan’s legal difficulties, officials uncovered that one of the three monkeys had tragically died, and this death was not reported to the department as required by law. This discovery led to the filing of a second case against him.

With the Forest Department’s official clarification, the controversy has shifted its focus away from Vikram and is now primarily centered on the issues of ownership and the legal registration of a protected species. The actor’s non-involvement in the acquisition or sale of the animal has been conclusively established, effectively concluding his connection to the incident.

Meanwhile, Vikram continues to dedicate himself to his acting career and upcoming cinematic endeavors. Known for his versatility and willingness to tackle demanding roles across diverse genres, the actor has several projects in the pipeline. The monkey video controversy appears to have reached a resolution concerning his involvement, with the ongoing investigation now concentrating entirely on the ownership of the animal and the documented registration violations. For more updates on the entertainment world, stay tuned to our reports.