The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has issued a notice to actor Vikram seeking details about a rare lar gibbon seen with him in a video posted on his Instagram account, as reported in ETV Bharat.
The Forest Department has asked Vikram to appear in person at its office within three days and submit written details about the animal, including where it was obtained from, where it is currently being kept, who owns it and the documents available to establish its ownership and legality.
The notice comes after a video of Vikram playing with the lar gibbon surfaced on social media, prompting the Forest Department to initiate an inquiry into the animal.
As part of the inquiry, forest officials reportedly visited Vikram while he was shooting in Chennai and personally served him the notice in a sealed cover. Officials are also said to have obtained some information from him in writing regarding the animal.
The Forest Department is seeking complete details about the gibbon and its ownership, including relevant permits and supporting documents.
Meanwhile, a person from Erode who is reportedly associated with the animal has claimed that he had taken the gibbon to his daughter’s house. According to him, Vikram recorded the video with the animal when he visited his daughter during a holiday.
Following this, the Forest Department has reportedly issued a notice to the Erode resident said to be the owner of the gibbon. Forest officials are also said to have visited and inspected his residence.
The lar gibbon is a rare species of gibbon native to South and Southeast Asia. Forest officials are currently investigating where the animal is being kept, who its legal owner is and whether the required documents and permissions are available.
Vikram’s side has not yet provided complete details in the matter. The Forest Department has directed him to submit the required information and documents within the stipulated three-day period.
The alleged owner from Erode has also been instructed to appear before the Forest Department with the relevant documents.
Officials have warned that failure by Vikram to appear and provide the required information and documents within three days could result in further action under applicable forest and wildlife laws.
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