Anant Ambani Steps In To Help Murshidabad Teen Iqbal Who Lived in Ponds, Airlifted to Mumbai for Treatment
A teenager from Murshidabad who had been spending days and nights in ponds because of a debilitating medical condition has been airlifted to Mumbai for specialised treatment. After a video of Iqbal went viral, Anant Ambani intervened to arrange his transfer to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, where doctors will evaluate his condition.
A teenager from West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, who had been spending days and nights in ponds because of a debilitating medical condition, has been airlifted to Mumbai for specialised medical evaluation and treatment following intervention by Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani. Iqbal, from Beldanga, has been admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital for further assessment and care.
Iqbal’s unusual circumstances came to wider public attention after a video showing him sitting in a pond and eating snacks went viral on social media. According to his family, the teenager had been spending days and nights in ponds because he experienced a severe burning sensation across his body whenever he came out of the water. He also described feeling as though a supernatural presence possessed him, prompting him to remain in the water for prolonged periods. Anant Ambani Formally Appointed Whole-time Executive Director of Reliance Industries; Receives Over 94% Shareholder Approval.
Murshidabad Teen Iqbal Spent Time in Ponds Due to Medical Condition
بھارت مغربی بنگال میں سولہ سالہ لڑکا تقریباً پانچ سال سے تالاب میں رہ رہا ہے
اس کا کہنا ہے کے پانی سے باہر آتے ہی اس کا جسم جلنے لگتا ہے ۔۔
وہ کئی دن (کبھی 4 سے 7 دن تک مسلسل) تالاب میں ہی رہتا ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/ZRqTcIaIdY
— Sonia Talha Siddiqui (@Soniatalhasiddz) August 12, 2026
How Iqbal’s Story Came To Light
Residents in the area had raised concerns about Iqbal’s condition, saying he could often be seen floating in ponds from morning until late at night. At times, he would reportedly move between different water bodies.
The teenager’s family had previously taken him to a hospital for treatment but said they saw no improvement. They also said they could not afford prolonged medical care and appealed for assistance. Anant Ambani Launches Vantara Creamery: Premium Artisanal Ice Cream Brand With A2 Gir Cow Milk and Indian Flavours Hits Mumbai.
Following the circulation of the video, a team of medical experts reviewed Iqbal’s case. On the instructions of Anant Ambani, arrangements were subsequently made to bring him to Mumbai for further evaluation, ANI reported.
Iqbal Admitted To Mumbai Hospital
Iqbal has now been admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai for specialised medical evaluation and treatment.
The hospital is a multi-speciality tertiary and quaternary-care institution with departments covering areas including neurosciences, gastroenterology, oncology, orthopaedics, women and child health and skin health. It also has advanced diagnostic facilities, including laboratories, radiology and imaging services.
Doctors will need to establish the underlying cause of Iqbal’s symptoms before determining appropriate treatment. The information currently available does not establish a confirmed diagnosis.
Doctors Warn Of Prolonged Water Exposure
Medical experts have also highlighted the physical risks associated with spending long periods immersed in water.
A dermatologist at SSKM Hospital said extended immersion can cause skin maceration, making the skin pale, soft and more vulnerable to irritation, cracks and infection.
Another dermatologist said continuous moisture could increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections and stressed that Iqbal should undergo a medical examination and not remain in ponds for long hours.
The warnings are particularly relevant given the length of time Iqbal has reportedly spent in ponds. Prolonged exposure to water can compromise the skin barrier and create conditions that make infections more likely.
Medical Evaluation Begins In Mumbai
Iqbal’s arrival in Mumbai marks a significant change from the limited treatment options available to his family in Murshidabad. His case will now be assessed by specialists at the Reliance Foundation hospital, with doctors expected to investigate the symptoms he has reported and identify possible medical causes.
The hospital also operates health outreach programmes aimed at improving access to healthcare for underserved communities. For Iqbal and his family, the immediate priority is a proper medical assessment and access to sustained treatment. His admission in Mumbai begins that process after his unusual condition brought wider attention to his circumstances.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2026 03:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
