Popular YouTuber Siddharth “Elvish” Yadav, who commands a massive subscriber base of 1.57 crore, was once again in the spotlight after more than a dozen bullets were fired outside his residence in Gurgaon’s Sector 56 on Sunday.
The Bhau gang has claimed responsibility for the attack, accusing the 27-year-old influencer of promoting betting platforms. Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered and the investigation is underway.
This isn’t the first time Yadav has faced controversy. The winner of Bigg Boss OTT Season 2 (2023) has been involved in multiple legal disputes and public spats, yet continues to maintain a huge following among Hindi-speaking audiences.
A Timeline of Elvish Yadav’s Major Controversies
1. Snake Venom Case
In November 2023, the Noida Police raided a banquet hall after a complaint from People for Animals (PFA), seizing nine venomous snakes and 20 ml of venom. Forensic tests confirmed cobra and krait venom.
Yadav was booked under the Wildlife Protection Act, NDPS Act, and IPC Section 120B, arrested in March 2024, and spent 14 days in custody before securing bail.
2. Money Laundering Probe
In May 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a probe into possible money laundering. Although the Supreme Court stayed trial court proceedings, the case remains ongoing, with activists alleging threats from Yadav’s associates.
3. Assault on YouTuber Maxtern
In March 2024, a viral video showed Yadav allegedly attacking YouTuber Sagar Thakur (Maxtern) at a mall in Gurgaon. Thakur accused Yadav of trying to break his spine and issuing death threats. An FIR was filed but later withdrawn after reconciliation.
4. Jaipur Slap Controversy
A video from February 2024 showed Yadav slapping a man at a Jaipur restaurant over alleged derogatory remarks about his family. No formal case followed.
5. Racist Remarks Allegation
During a podcast, Yadav allegedly mocked Bigg Boss 18 finalist Chum Darang’s name and ethnicity. The remarks drew condemnation from the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women and the NCW, leading to his public apology and removal of the segment.
6. Jaipur Police Convoy Video
Yadav posted a vlog in February claiming he had police security during his Jaipur visit. Authorities denied providing any convoy, stating the cars shown were regular patrol units. He was booked for false propaganda.
7. Jammu Journalist Incident
Yadav was accused of misbehaving with a journalist after refusing a fan photo. Videos suggested chaos, though no case was filed.
8. Fabricated Lifestyle Allegations
In 2023, Yadav’s parents claimed he projected a false glamorous image online for engagement, sparking debates about influencer culture.
9. Feud With Abhishek Malhan
Post Bigg Boss OTT, his fallout with runner-up Abhishek Malhan led to both accusing each other of negative PR campaigns, fueling fan wars online.
10. Extortion Threat in London
Yadav reported receiving a ₹1 crore extortion demand in 2023 via WhatsApp. Police traced the accused, an RTO agent from Gujarat, within six hours.
11. ₹500-Crore Investment Fraud Case
In March 2024, Delhi Police summoned Yadav over alleged promotion of the HIBOX app, linked to a massive ₹500-crore fraud. Over 500 complaints were filed, but no direct charges against him have been confirmed yet.
Conclusion
Despite his soaring popularity, Elvish Yadav’s career has been overshadowed by repeated controversies, legal challenges, and violent threats. The recent gunfire incident in Gurgaon once again raises questions about the risks public figures face in the influencer era, especially when their content and associations spark polarizing reactions.