CHENNAI: Controversial YouTuber TTF Vasan, who is out on bail after being arrested for rash driving, has now attracted the attention of the Forest Department after posting a video with a python.

A video posted a few days ago shows Vasan and his friends buying a python from an unknown location. After the video started receiving traction on social media, it came to the attention of the Forest Department, which initiated steps to verify whether it is legal in India to keep the python as a pet.

“We have to check the species of the python and whether or not it is banned. We also need to verify the documents, if any, regarding the ownership. If there are no documents, action will be taken,” a senior Forest Department official said.

As per the Wildlife Protection Act, rock python and reticulated python that are native to India cannot be owned and kept as pets. However, an expert explained that the reptile looked like a ball python, which people can keep provided they have a proper licence.

Meanwhile, a team of Forest officials raided a pet shop in Tiruvottiyur and reportedly seized a few animals kept illegally.