Kolkata man set alight in alleged stunt for social media content

A man in Kolkata became the victim of a violent assault allegedly orchestrated to create social media content, according to reports. The attackers allegedly forced the victim to drink petrol before setting him ablaze in what appears to be an attempt to produce a sensational video for online platforms.

The incident underscores the growing concern among law enforcement and child welfare authorities across India about the risks associated with dangerous social media trends and challenges. Young people and others have increasingly participated in risky stunts to generate engagement and views on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, often without fully appreciating the potential for serious injury or death.

Local police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the assault. Authorities are working to identify those responsible and determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The victim's condition and current status remain unclear.

The case has renewed calls from safety advocates for greater awareness about the dangers of pursuing viral content at any cost. Experts and child protection organizations have warned that the pressure to create attention-grabbing material online can sometimes push individuals—particularly young people—toward increasingly extreme and hazardous behavior, with potentially tragic consequences.