Bengal teen, 16, who spent days in Murshidabad ponds, airlifted to Mumbai for treatment

A teenager from West Bengal’s Murshidabad who had been spending most of his time in ponds because of a severe burning sensation on his body has been brought to Mumbai for specialised medical treatment.

Iqbal, 16, a resident of Beldanga, reportedly stayed in ponds for hours, often from morning until late at night. He told people around him that he felt intense burning whenever he came out of the water. He also said he felt as if a supernatural force had taken over him, ANI reported.

According to reports, locals say Iqbal stayed in the water for 4 or 5 days at a stretch. People would even bring him food while he remained inside the pond.

ALSO READ | Sainik Farm: How Delhi’s richest unauthorised colony got stuck in legal limbo

He came to attention after a video of him sitting in a pond and eating snacks was widely shared on social media. Following the video, medical experts looked into his case. Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani then stepped in and directed arrangements to bring the teenager to Mumbai for further treatment.

Iqbal has been admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, where specialists will assess his condition and determine the course of treatment.

People in his neighbourhood said Iqbal would regularly move between ponds and remain in the water for long stretches. His parents said they had previously taken him to a hospital, but his condition did not improve. They said the family could not afford prolonged treatment and had appealed for help.

Doctors have also cautioned that remaining in water for such long periods can cause additional health problems. A dermatologist at SSKM Hospital said continuous immersion can cause skin maceration, while another specialist warned that constant moisture can increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections.

ALSO READ | PM Modi wants Tarique Rahman’s India visit to be ‘memorable’, says envoy Dinesh Trivedi

“The skin loses some of its protective barriers and becomes more vulnerable to irritation, cracks and infection,” a doctor said.

Iqbal will now undergo a detailed medical evaluation in Mumbai as doctors try to understand the cause of his condition and provide appropriate treatment.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)