A court in Perundurai has dismissed the Forest Department's plea to shift 11 seized exotic animals to a zoo, granting conditional interim custody to farm owner S.K. Keshavanathan. The case emerged after a viral video of Tamil actor Vikram with a Lar gibbon sparked a major wildlife investigation.
- The Perundurai court granted conditional interim custody of 11 exotic animals to farm owner S.K. Keshavanathan.
- The case began after a viral video surfaced showing Tamil actor Vikram with a Lar gibbon.
- The Forest Department's petition to move the animals to Chennai's Vandalur Zoo was dismissed under strict monitoring conditions.
A local court in Perundurai, Tamil Nadu, has dismissed a petition filed by the State Forest Department seeking to transfer 11 seized exotic animals from a private farmhouse to a public zoo. Judicial Magistrate N. Moorthy ruled in favor of the farm owner, S.K. Keshavanathan (53), allowing him to retain interim custody of the animals under highly stringent conditions designed to safeguard their welfare.
The animals in question include two endangered Lar gibbons (one male and one female), seven serval cats (two adult males, two adult females, and three kittens), and two tufted capuchins (one male and one female). These exotic species were seized following an investigation into illegal possession and lack of proper documentation.
Strict Judicial Conditions Imposed on Custody
Under the court order issued on Thursday, Keshavanathan must execute a surety bond undertaking to surrender the animals immediately if directed by the court or an appellate authority. He is strictly prohibited from selling, gifting, transferring, relocating, or altering the ownership of any of the animals in his possession.
Furthermore, the Forest Department has been granted the authority to conduct periodic, unannounced inspections of the farmhouse to verify the animals' count, identity, health, and living conditions. Keshavanathan is also required to have the animals examined monthly by a certified veterinarian and submit a comprehensive health report directly to the court.
Background of the Case: The Actor Vikram Connection
The high-profile investigation was triggered by a viral social media video showing popular Tamil actor Vikram interacting with a Lar gibbon. This prompted the Erode Forest Division to conduct a raid on Keshavanathan's farmhouse in Perundurai, uncovering a private collection of exotic wildlife without appropriate registration and supporting documentation.
Subsequently, a case was registered against Keshavanathan under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The charges included delayed registration of exotic species and failure to report the death of another Lar gibbon previously kept at the facility. Although the Forest Department argued that the animals would be safer at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur, the court ultimately opted for conditional private custody.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the rising demand for exotic pets among affluent individuals and celebrities in India is exposing regulatory loopholes. The decision to allow interim custody instead of immediate zoo rehabilitation highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding the ownership of non-native species under the amended Wildlife (Protection) Act.
"While the court's decision balances property rights with animal welfare through strict conditions, it underscores the urgent need for a robust national registry and standardized facilities for seized exotic wildlife in India." - Wildlife Legal Analyst.
| Species | Count | Origin/Habitat | Conservation Status (IUCN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lar Gibbon | 2 (1 Male, 1 Female) | Southeast Asia | Endangered |
| Serval Cat | 7 (4 Adults, 3 Kittens) | Sub-Saharan Africa | Least Concern |
| Tufted Capuchin | 2 (1 Male, 1 Female) | South America | Least Concern |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did the Forest Department want to move the animals?
A1: The Forest Department sought to transfer the exotic animals to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo) to ensure professional care, citing potential violations of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and lack of valid documentation.
Q2: What happens if the owner violates the court's conditions?
A2: If any conditions are breached, or if the investigation proves illegal wildlife trafficking, the Forest Department has been authorized to immediately seize the animals and relocate them to the Vandalur Zoo.
