Full Breakdown
West Bengal Teen Airlifted to Mumbai for Specialized Care After Weeks in Ponds
8/22/2026, 11:44:44 PM
Teen’s Condition and Airlift to Mumbai
Sixteen-year-old Iqbal, a resident of Beldanga in Murshidabad, West Bengal, began spending extended periods in local ponds after experiencing a severe burning sensation on his skin. Video footage of him sitting in a pond and eating snacks spread widely on social media, prompting medical attention. Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani arranged for Iqbal to be airlifted to Mumbai, where he was admitted to Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital for specialist evaluation and treatment.
Medical Concerns Raised by Doctors
Physicians note that continuous immersion in water can lead to skin maceration, increasing vulnerability to irritation, cracks, fungal and bacterial infections. A dermatologist from SSKM Hospital highlighted the loss of the skin’s protective barrier with prolonged exposure, while another specialist warned of heightened infection risk. Iqbal’s parents reported prior hospital visits that failed to improve his condition and cited financial constraints that limited ongoing care.
Key Individuals and Institutions Involved
- Iqbal – 16-year-old patient from Beldanga, Murshidabad.
- Anant Ambani – Executive Director, Reliance Industries, who coordinated the airlift.
- Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital – Mumbai facility where Iqbal is receiving specialist assessment.
- SSKM Hospital dermatology team – Provided medical commentary on risks of prolonged water exposure.
Potential Health Risks of Prolonged Water Immersion
Medical experts caution that staying in water for four to five days at a stretch can cause skin maceration, compromise barrier function, and predispose individuals to secondary infections. Continuous moisture also creates an environment conducive to fungal growth, potentially complicating any underlying dermatological condition.
Next Steps for Treatment
In Mumbai, specialists will conduct a detailed evaluation to determine the underlying cause of Iqbal’s burning sensation and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Ongoing monitoring will focus on preventing secondary skin complications while addressing the primary condition.
