Social Media Reel Horror in India's Kolkata: Teen Blindfolded, Doused With Petrol and Set Ablaze

KOLKATA, Nov 7 : In a shocking act of violence, a teenage boy was allegedly blindfolded, doused with petrol and set on fire in southern Kolkata, with police suspecting that the brutal assault may have been recorded to create a social media reel.

Three people have been arrested and two minors apprehended in connection with the October 27 incident, police said on Friday.

However, the motive behind the attack remains under investigation, with the victim's family alleging that it was triggered by a dispute over a loan of just Rs 500.

According to the family, the teenager had borrowed Rs 500 from one of the accused around six months ago and had already repaid the amount. They alleged that he was nevertheless targeted over the dispute.

The victim suffered burn injuries to his chest and abdomen and is undergoing treatment at a hospital. His condition was reported to be stable, a police officer said.

The disturbing incident reportedly occurred when the teenager was returning home and was intercepted by the accused. They allegedly took him to an isolated area near a pond in Lenin Nagar, blindfolded him and forced a helmet onto his head.

When the boy objected and attempted to remove the helmet, the attackers allegedly tried to make him drink petrol before pouring the flammable liquid over him.

A video purportedly showing the assault has since circulated on social media.

The footage allegedly shows one of the accused taking a bottle of petrol from a scooter's storage compartment and pouring it over the blindfolded teenager. Another person is seen throwing a matchbox towards an accomplice, who lights a matchstick and hurls it at the boy.

Within seconds, the teenager is engulfed in flames. Screaming in agony, he desperately runs for help as local residents rush to rescue him.

Police suspect that the accused may have filmed the assault intending to circulate it as a social media reel. However, investigators are also examining other possible motives, including the alleged financial dispute.

A complaint was registered at Garfa Police Station, following which an investigation was launched.

Police are examining the circulating video and questioning those arrested to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish the exact motive behind the attack.