Peacock ‘curry’ triggers outcry in India, YouTuber arrested

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Indian authorities arrested a YouTuber on Monday for allegedly cooking and eating the country's national bird, the peacock, in a video that triggered widespread outrage on social media.

Kodam Pranay Kumar was detained under the Wildlife Protection Act after posting a video titled "traditional peacock curry" on his YouTube channel, India Times news outlet reported

Kumar, after facing backlash, removed the video and claimed it was intended only for "promotional purposes," according to the media report.

"Lands have rules. And you must respect them," said an X user.

Peacocks are protected under strict wildlife laws in India, and their hunting or consumption is illegal.

A raid was conducted at Kumar's residence, where what appear to be remnants of the curry were recovered.

The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media platforms, with many condemning the act as disrespectful to a national symbol.