Actor Vikram Under Investigation for Possessing Endangered Gibbon

New Delhi. Indian wildlife officials have started an investigation after a video of South Indian film actor Vikram holding an endangered gibbon affectionately in his lap went viral. The actor had posted a video on Instagram on Monday hugging and playing with a lar gibbon. The video, which went viral on social media, was later removed. Some media outlets even called the animal his new pet.

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is investigating how the gibbon ended up at Vikram's relative's house in Chennai and whether the necessary legal procedures for keeping and transferring it were completed. Officials have not yet concluded whether the gibbon was smuggled, belongs to Vikram, or if he was involved in bringing it to India. Vikram has not yet commented on the controversy.