The Dark Side of India’s Star Power: A Glimpse into the Illicit Trade of Exotic Animals

The recent controversy surrounding Indian actor Vikram and his cuddling of an endangered gibbon on social media has shed light on a disturbing issue plaguing the country – the illicit trade of exotic animals. This case is not isolated, but rather a symptom of a larger problem.

Vikram’s actions have highlighted the lax enforcement of wildlife laws in India. The presence of such animals in private homes often results from complex networks of smugglers and corrupt officials who facilitate their entry into the country. For instance, the gibbon at the center of this controversy was one of eight brought into India from Malaysia through Manipur, a state with porous borders with Myanmar.

The trail of documentation for these animals is convoluted, involving multiple transfers between individuals with dubious claims of adoption. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the PARIVESH portal, which regulates the importation and transfer of exotic animals. The involvement of high-ranking officials in these transactions suggests a deeper rot within the system.

Wildlife activists have been raising concerns about the ease with which such animals are being smuggled into India for years. Their warnings have gone largely unheeded by the government, which has failed to address this issue effectively. This case comes amidst growing worries about the illegal trade of exotic animals into India.

Customs officials have intercepted numerous shipments of live reptiles, birds, and primates concealed in luggage from south-east Asia in recent years. The seizure of over 350 exotic animals at Mumbai and Pune airports in July 2025 is just one example of the scale of this problem. The gibbon, a species under CITES protection, requires strict permits and documentation to be imported into India.

Yet, it appears that these regulations have been flagrantly disregarded in this case. The involvement of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) in the investigation is a welcome development, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to hold anyone accountable for their role in facilitating this trade.

India’s rapid economic growth and increasing wealth have created a culture of conspicuous consumption, where exotic animals are often seen as status symbols rather than living beings deserving of respect and protection. The Indian government’s seeming reluctance to prioritize environmental conservation over economic interests has compounded this problem.

The investigation into Vikram’s gibbon should be seen as an opportunity for India to address its lax wildlife laws and tackle the complex networks involved in the illicit trade of exotic animals. It will require a concerted effort from law enforcement agencies, wildlife activists, and policymakers to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that such incidents do not recur.

As India grapples with the implications of this case, it is clear that its star power has been marred by the dark underbelly of its own making. The country will need to rise to the challenge of protecting its endangered species if it hopes to prevent further exploitation.