KOLKATA: A teenage boy was blindfolded, doused in petrol and set ablaze in southern Kolkata, in an assault that police suspect was recorded by the three accused for a social media reel.
The incident took place on October 27 and the accused, including two minors, were arrested on Thursday (November 05), official said on Friday. The teenager is stable and is being treated at a hospital for burns to his chest and abdomen, according to the reports.
The boy was returning home when the accused intercepted him, took him near a pond in Lenin Nagar, blindfolded him and forced a helmet onto his head. "When he objected and tried to remove the helmet, they attempted to make him drink petrol," the officer said.
A video purportedly of the incident circulating online showed one of the accused pouring petrol from a bottle taken from a scooter's storage compartment over the blindfolded teenager, and another lighting a matchstick and throwing it at him. The boy is seen running as flames engulf him, with locals rushing to help.
"We suspect that the accused recorded the assault for a social media reel. However, our officers are also probing other possible motives behind the attack," the officer said.
The victim's family, however, has claimed the attack stemmed from a financial dispute, saying he had repaid Rs 500 borrowed from one of the accused about six months ago.
A complaint was lodged at Garfa police station, following which an investigation was initiated and the accused were arrested. (With inputs from PTI)