Jajpur: The YouTuber couple who kept wild animals and posted their photos and videos on social media platforms violating the Wildlife Act surrendered before the Forest Department officials here on Wednesday night.
According to sources, the YouTuber Monalisa Bhadra, and her husband were asked to abstain from keeping wild animals at their place and posting their photos and videos on social media platforms. Monalisa and her husband, however, allegedly kept on uploading such posts on social media platforms despite the Forest Department’s warning.
Taking a tough stand against the YouTuber couple, the Forest Department officials on Sunday raided their house at Jahal village under Sadar Police limits of Jajpur on charges of violating the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Upon being informed about the arrival of Forest Department sleuths, Monalisa and her husband fled the scene.
The Forest department on Monday again carried out a raid at their residence and rescued a monkey.
Acting on an order of the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), two teams were formed to nab the YouTuber couple and a case was also registered against them. In the meantime, Monalisa and her husband surrendered before forest department officials on Wednesday night.
Jajpur Road Ranger, Jyoti Ranjan Mohapatra said, “Uploading animals’ pictures is a punishable offence. The YouTuber couple has confessed to their crime and surrendered. ACF Anil Ray is looking after the case. He will take action against them as per law. They have been booked under Section 9 of the Wildlife Forest Act, 1972.
It is pertinent to note that Monalisa came under the scanner of the Forest Department for uploading photos of monkeys, snakes and horses on her YouTube and social media handles.
