Tamil Nadu Forest Department investigates actor Vikram over Lar Gibbon video

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has launched an inquiry following a viral social media video posted by actor Vikram. The footage featured the actor interacting with a Lar Gibbon, an endangered primate species. Following public controversy and criticism from conservationists, the actor removed the video from his social media accounts. Authorities are now investigating the incident, including whether the video was filmed at the actor's residence in Chennai.

The Lar Gibbon is protected under international conservation laws, specifically Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, as well as Schedule IV of India's Wildlife Protection Act. These regulations strictly prohibit the private possession and unauthorised trade of the species. Reports have emerged suggesting the animal may have been sourced from Manipur, leading officials to trace the potential movement of the primate through Erode.