KANPUR, Nov. 1 -- Three men have been arrested and a fourth is absconding after a video purportedly showing a rat being tied to an iron gate, doused with petrol and set on fire went viral on social media, drawing protests from animal lovers and local residents.

The incident took place on October 29 in Kasai Mandi near Orchha Gate under the Kotwali police station area. The 47-second video shows the men tying the rat to an iron gate with a rope before pouring petrol over it and setting it alight. The animal is seen writhing in pain as the men film the act. The rope eventually snaps, allowing the rat to run around in an attempt to escape before succumbing to its injuries.

According to police, the accused had caught the rat using a cage bef...