Kolkata, Nov. 6 -- In a shocking incident, a youth was doused in petrol, and set on fire in Haltu area of Garfa area on October 27 for making reels for social media by a group of youngsters.
Four persons, including two minors, have been taken into custody so far and investigation is underway. The victim youth survived the attack and is in stable condition at a hospital, recovering from burn injuries to his chest and abdomen.
According to sources, the attack occurred near a pond in the Lenin Nagar area of Haltu under jurisdiction of Garfa Police Station. After intercepting the youth on his way home from work, the group forced a helmet on his head and blindfolded him pretending it was a game.
When the victim youth removed the helmet and tried to leave the place, he was allegedly assaulted before the accused persons poured petrol and set him ablaze. While the youth was running in pain, the accused persons recorded the event as a fun game. However, the victim escaped by shedding his burning clothes, and local residents rushed him to the hospital.
The video was soon uploaded on social media and went viral. After his family members lodged a complaint, the four accused were apprehended. It is also alleged that the accused persons had threatened the youth to make it look like he voluntarily participated in the event.
Cops suspect that the assault was filmed specifically to generate social media content. It was also learnt that the victim youth had taken Rs 500 from one of the accused which became an issue between them.
Police are interrogating the two adults arrested while the minors have been sent to a home.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.