Kolkata youth doused in petrol, set ablaze; police probe alleged reel-making plot
· India · Indian Express, NDTV
An 18-year-old victim was allegedly intercepted near Lenin Nagar pond bank in Haltu on October 27, blindfolded, forced onto a cement bench and a helmet, then doused in petrol from a scooter's storage and set ablaze after refusing to drink it. He sustained burns to his chest and stomach and is reported stable after escaping and seeking residents' help. Kolkata police arrested three adults and apprehended two minors, claiming the attackers filmed the act to create viral social media reels, while the victim and his family stated the assailants held a grudge over a Rs 500 loan the victim claimed was already repaid in full. A video of the assault later circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
Why it matters
The victim, his family and the arrested accused are directly impacted as the case hinges on conflicting claims of a minor financial dispute versus a staged social media attack; the incident has triggered police action and public outrage over escalating viral content-driven violence in Kolkata.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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