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Tamil Nadu probes Vikram after gibbon video, permit gaps

8/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tamil Nadu Forest Department opened a probe after actor Chiyaan Vikram posted a video with a gibbon.
The gibbon linked to a 2020 PARIVESH entry by Laikhuram Singh listing eight Malaysian gibbons.
Records show the animals moved from Singh to Perundurai, Erode in June and to a relative in Chennai on August 5.
Kulal reported the gibbons were returned to Erode, one female died, and no CITES, DGFT or wildlife permits were found.

History

Historical Context

In 1973 CITES opened for signature and entered force in July 1975, banning commercial trade of listed primates. The treaty followed the 1969 U.S. Endangered Species Conservation Act, which urged an international convention. Today Tamil Nadu’s Forest Department is probing actor Chiyaan Vikram’s gibbon video after a 2020 PARIVESH report linked Malaysian gibbons to illegal transfers, showing CITES-based enforcement in India.

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Story summary

Tamil Nadu Forest Department opened a probe after actor Chiyaan Vikram posted a video with a gibbon.
The gibbon linked to a 2020 PARIVESH entry by Laikhuram Singh listing eight Malaysian gibbons.
Records show the animals moved from Singh to Perundurai, Erode in June and to a relative in Chennai on August 5.
Kulal reported the gibbons were returned to Erode, one female died, and no CITES, DGFT or wildlife permits were found.

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