In the high-octane hole-and-corner rave parties where the beat drops and hearts race, a new kind of high slithers into India’s underground scene as snake venom. In the grim backdrop of venom-induced Indian nightlife, a risky thrill, pushing the boundaries of excitement and safety, is weaving among the giddy group of youth, particularly those aged between 16 and 25. It’s a world where the beats of psychedelic music act as the emotional rollercoaster of the night, a realm where DJs likened to modern-day alchemists mix their sonic potions with secret snake venom components to lead a frenzied ballet of emancipation.
This isn’t just any drug; it’s a potentially lethal substance cloaked in the allure of danger and mystique, captivating thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies. The recent arrest of YouTuber Elvish Yadav has shed light on this dark trend, raising alarms and eyebrows nationwide. But what draws the youth to dance with death in the name of recreation? Is it the pursuit of an unparalleled high, or is there more to this venomous vogue?
In the heart of the night, beneath the pulsating glow of neon lights and immersive electronic dance music (EDM) unfolds a dangerous dance with destiny. It’s a scene that repeats itself in hidden corners of India’s bustling metros, where the thrill of the rave merges with the allure of the forbidden. Here, amidst the rhythmic beats and euphoric shouts, lies a poisonous secret—snake, the latest player in the lethal game of recreational drugs.
As we navigate the complexities of such dangerous trends, we’re reminded of the fragile milieu of human life—woven with threads of recreations, desires, fears, and the innate search for belonging. The sting of venomous snakes at rave parties isn’t just a narrative of risk and rebellion; it reflects our most profound societal fissures, revealing the hollowness individuals attempt to fill with such perilous pursuits.
The fascination with snake venom at these ‘hole-and-corner’ parties isn’t just about seeking a new high; it’s a profound reflection of our society’s darkest desires and deepest fears. It speaks to a generation flirting with the edges of life, yearning to escape from the mundane into the realms of the extreme. But this escape comes with a cost, a potentially fatal price that many seem all too willing to pay.
Why do young souls chase such a deadly thrill in the prime of their lives? The answer lies not in the venom itself but in what it represents—the ultimate act of rebellion, a defiance against the very fragility of life. To partake in snake venom is to whisper in the ear of mortality, a risky proposition that’s as inebriating as the substance itself.
Behind the allure of snake venom, there’s a deeper, more troubling narrative—a collective desire to escape. In a world saddled with disquiets, qualms, and a relentless pursuit of attainment, snake venom offers an ephemeral respite, a momentary lapse from reality. But this escape is a delusion—a dangerous illusion that fades to reveal existence’s stark and often harsh truths.
The cost of this thrill-seeking is immeasurable. Families are left to grapple with the unimaginable pain of losing loved ones to nature’s most potent toxins. Each story of loss is a stark reminder of the dire path of drug abuse, a path that leads to devastation, despair, and, too often, fatality.
There’s something inherently tempting about forbidden fruit, and snake venom is no exception. At rave parties, where the quest for the next big thrill never ends, snake venom represents the ultimate taboo. It uses whispers of ancient rituals and the power to touch the edge of life and death without succumbing to the latter. But why snake venom when the world of recreational drugs is so vast?
A 2015 study highlighted in the Indian Journal of Mental Health by Maithili Kadam Umate, Pawan Khot, Rajkiran Salunkhe, and Vinayak Kale, researchers in the field of psychiatry from various medical colleges across Maharashtra, have shed light on an alarming trend—the increasing misuse of snake venom for recreational highs in urban India. Enthusiasts are resorting to direct snake bites and ingesting snake venom pills during rave parties, seeking an intense experience. Among the myriad of psychoactive substances, snake venom is one of the most dangerous.
“Snake venom, purportedly used to induce intoxication at rave parties, doesn’t elicit a typical alcohol-like high. Instead, it triggers symptoms affecting the nervous and psychological systems. Neurotoxins in the venom can disrupt neurotransmission, potentially leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and altered mental states, with effects lasting for several days”
Historically, cobra venom has been utilized in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, and its therapeutic applications can be traced back to the early 18th century in English and Hindu medicine, including its use in addiction treatment. Snake venom, a potent mix of proteins, enzymes, and other compounds, primarily acts by causing paralysis and is also involved in the digestion of the venom’s victim. It’s noted for causing significant neurotoxic effects without damaging the tissue around the bite area.
This neurotoxicity is attributed to neurotoxins and dendrotoxins in the venom that affect muscular and neuronal functions, potentially offering analgesic properties akin to opioids but without their addictive traits.
These neurotoxins interact with specific receptors in the brain that are associated with euphoria, leading to the misuse of venom for its intoxicating effects. The composition of snake venom includes 5-Hydroxytryptamine and Bradykinin, which are believed to contribute to its psychoactive properties. However, some experts argue that the perceived high from snake bites at parties may be overhyped or the result of psychological effects rather than the venom’s pharmacological action. They point out that venom’s toxic effects are likely neutralized when ingested, except in cases where the individual has preexisting digestive ulcers.
Critics of this practice also highlight that not all snake bites deliver the same effects, suggesting that the types of snakes used and their venom vary greatly. The debate continues over the actual risk and allure of using snake venom as a drug, with some conservationists arguing against its sensationalization.
This phenomenon has not been widely documented in India, though its existence suggests a grave misunderstanding of the dangers associated with snake venom. The use of venom from semi-aquatic snakes, which are more prone to biting when threatened, has been reported, yet these instances allegedly do not produce the euphoric effects users seek. This discrepancy raises questions about the nature of the high experienced by users and whether it stems from the venom itself or merely the thrill of engaging with something as dangerous as a snake.
The scientific community’s exploration into the neurotoxic effects of snake venom reveals that it operates by binding to receptors in the brain and muscles, leading to paralysis and sometimes pain relief without the dependency typical of opioids. This intricate interaction with the body’s biochemistry hints at the potential for medicinal use but also underscores the risks of uncontrolled exposure to these potent toxins.
The trend of using snake venom to achieve a high reflects a broader issue of substance misuse and the continuous quest for novel intoxicating experiences. The case studies presented by the team of psychiatrists in the Indian Journal of Mental Health provide a crucial insight into this dangerous practice, urging a re-evaluation of how society approaches drug use and addiction, as well as the conservation of wildlife.
WHAT IS SNAKE VENOM ADDICTION?
Snake venom addiction is not your typical drug dependency. It’s the intentional use of venom from deadly snakes to induce a state of intoxication, a practice that is as dangerous as it sounds. In India, this trend is not just emerging; it’s exploding in popularity, especially among the youth seeking extreme experiences. The addiction lies not just in the physical effects but in the thrill of flirting with danger.
THE ELVISH YADAV INCIDENT
The case of Elvish Yadav, a 26-year-old YouTuber arrested for allegedly organizing rave parties where snake venom was provided as a drug, has cast a spotlight on this issue. Yadav’s arrest and the subsequent revelation that snake venom was being used recreationally have sparked widespread concern and curiosity. What does this say about our society’s quest for novelty in intoxication?
Elvish admitted to using snake venom for recreational purposes at an alleged rave party in Noida. The use of snake venom for intoxication raises questions, with experts suggesting that it induces symptoms affecting the nervous system and psychological processes.
Elvish, who was arrested by Noida Police and placed in judicial custody, reportedly confessed to the crime. This revelation follows the discovery of snake venom usage at a rave party in Noida last year, confirmed through sample analysis.
Five individuals arrested in connection with a snake smuggling racket in Noida Sector 51 informed authorities that they supplied snake venom to parties organized by Yadav. Charges were filed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Indian Penal Code.
People for Animals, an NGO led by Maneka Gandhi, lodged a complaint against Yadav and five others for allegedly providing snake venom at a party in Noida. The NGO orchestrated a sting operation to uncover Elvish’s involvement, requesting him to procure Cobra venom for a rave event. Yadav and five others, including snake charmers, were apprehended under relevant legal provisions for providing snake venom for recreational use.
Police seized snakes from the accused and discovered footage of Elvish handling two snakes. Initially denying involvement, Yadav later claimed that Bollywood singer Fazilpura arranged the reptiles. Distancing himself from the rave parties, he stated that the snakes belonged to a production house.
Snake venom, purportedly used to induce intoxication at rave parties, doesn’t elicit a typical alcohol-like high. Instead, it triggers symptoms affecting the nervous and psychological systems. Neurotoxins in the venom can disrupt neurotransmission, potentially leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and altered mental states, with effects lasting for several days.
Studies reveal that snake venom can induce psychological effects, including heightened sensation, impulsivity, and mood changes. Additionally, it releases chemicals such as serotonin and Bradykinin, which can affect mental state. Research also suggests the use of other substances like burnt lizard carcasses and toxic honey for doping purposes at rave parties, indicating a broader issue of substance abuse in such settings.
Originating in the 1980s, rave parties comprised music and dancing all night. While not illegal in India per se, activities associated with rave parties, particularly drug use and other unlawful practices, violate the law.
Elvish was granted bail in the snake venom case by a Noida court on April 7. Despite being granted bail in the snake venom case by the Surajpur Court in Noida, Elvish will remain behind bars as he faces charges of assaulting fellow YouTuber Sagar Thakur, also known as Maxtern, in Gurugram.
Defense lawyers countered, claiming Yadav was being framed and that no substances related to the NDPS Act were found in his possession. They also questioned the legitimacy of the case being filed by an NGO worker rather than a government official. Despite these arguments, the court granted Elvish bail on two sureties of Rs 50,000 each.
In the assault case, filed by Gurugram police after a video of Elvish allegedly assaulting Thakur went viral on social media, he will remain in custody until bail is granted. Yadav was arrested in March by Noida police and sentenced to judicial custody for 14 days along with five associates.
Rajasthan Police briefly detained Elvish in Kota in November 2023. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, removing venom glands from snakes is punishable by up to seven years in jail.
DANGER OF SNAKE VENOM
Medically, snake venom is a complex concoction capable of causing severe, life-threatening symptoms. Neurotoxins present in the venom can lead to muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death. Yet, these dangers are unknown, ignored, or, perhaps most worryingly, part of the allure of rave parties.
SNAKE VENOM IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
A white paper published in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine in 2022, conducted by researchers Devendra Jadav, Rutwik Shedge, Vikas Meshram, Tanuj Kanchan, and Raghvendra Singh Shekhawat from the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, attached to AIIMS, Rajasthan, highlights the complex relationship humans have had with snakes throughout history.
This relationship spans from deep reverence to practical use across various cultures globally. The ancient Greeks, for instance, considered snakes to be holy, using their venom for healing purposes and viewing their ability to shed skin as a symbol of rebirth. Similarly, in Indian traditions, the shedding of the king cobra’s skin is associated with spiritual awakening and rebirth, symbolized by Kundalini energy. Snakes also hold a sacred place in Hinduism, with Lord Shiva often depicted with the snake Vasuki around his neck and devotees offering milk to snakes on Naga Panchami, a day dedicated to honoring these creatures.
In India, snake charmers have traditionally earned their livelihood by performing with venomous snakes, like cobras, from which they carefully remove fangs to ensure safety during shows. Beyond entertainment, snake venom has found use in traditional remedies across various cultures. It has been employed in Ayurvedic medicine to treat joint pain and arthritis, and its unique properties have been linked to symbols of fertility.
Moreover, snake oils have been marketed for curing erectile dysfunction. Internationally, snakes are utilized in unique ways; for example, in Brazil, they’re marinated in sugar cane juice for spiritual and medicinal purposes, and in Vietnam, snakes are infused in rice wine, believed to revitalize health according to traditional Chinese medicine.
Despite snake venom’s medicinal and traditional applications, its regulation differs across nations. In India, the trade and use of numerous substances are controlled under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Still, snake venom falls outside its purview, being instead regulated under the Wildlife Protection Act. This Act safeguards various snake species and governs the collection and sale of venom, which is primarily sold to pharmaceutical companies for producing antivenom. However, issues of illegal use of snake venom for recreational purposes have been noted, raising concerns about the need for stricter enforcement and control by authorities like India’s Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB).
Research indicates that snake venom is occasionally used recreationally, with documented cases across India involving only male users. These instances highlight a concerning trend despite existing legislation controlling such practices.
The allure of snake venom in recreational circles stems from its impact on neuroreceptors in the brain, creating waves of euphoria for users. However, the perilous risks accompanying this practice, including the threat of addiction and severe health dangers, highlight the intricate and often precarious bond between humans and these venerated yet perilous creatures.
The use of snake venom at parties raises significant legal and ethical issues. It violates wildlife protection laws and poses a grave threat to public health. The legal repercussions for those caught are severe, yet the trend continues to grow, underscoring the need for more stringent enforcement and public education.
RAVE PARTIES IN INDIA
Rave parties have a long history in India, existing in a grey area of legality. While the parties themselves are not illegal, the activities within—such as drug use—most certainly are. Snake venom is the latest in an extensive list of recreational substances infiltrating this scene.
The future of drug trends in India is uncertain, but what is clear is the need for a robust response from law enforcement, healthcare providers, and the community. Policy changes, better enforcement, and public education campaigns are essential to stem the tide of snake venom addiction and other emerging drug trends.
Meanwhile, in the final analysis, the gory saga of snake venom use at rave parties is more than a cautionary fib and a clarion call for compassion, understanding, and action. It’s a reminder that, in the end, the most potent force against the darkness is the light we choose to share.
