A chef was arrested after allegedly making a curry from India's national bird.

YouTuber Kodam Pranay Kumar is said to have recorded a video of himself describing how to make a peacock stew at his home in the Rajanna Sircilla district of Telangana, India.

Initial investigations by forest officials suggested that the vlogger may have uploaded the video to boost views on his channel, prompting a police response.

Authorities visited Tangallapalli village on Monday, August 12, and confiscated a chicken curry from the man's residence. As part of the ongoing inquiry, the sample was sent for forensic analysis.

Following protests from animal rights advocates, the video was removed. But police believe other videos on the man's mobile phone suggested a peacock was used in some of his dishes.

Superintendent of Police for Rajanna Sircilla district Akhil Mahajan said: 'A case has been filed under the relevant laws, and the strictest measures will be taken against the perpetrator and anyone else involved in such activities.'

The video has sparked outrage, with accusations of disrespecting the bird and promoting illegal wildlife hunting.

Wildlife protection laws in India are stringent, particularly concerning species like the Indian peacock. The bird, known for its vibrant blue colour and majestic appearance, faces population decline due to rapid urbanization and habitat destruction.