West Bengal teenager brought to Mumbai’s Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital after his unusual condition drew attention online
A 16-year-old boy from Beldanga in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has been brought to Mumbai for specialised medical evaluation and treatment at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital after Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani intervened following widespread attention to the teenager’s condition on social media.
The teenager, identified as Iqbal Sheikh, had reportedly been spending prolonged periods in ponds because he experienced a severe burning sensation when outside the water. Local reports said the behaviour had continued for several years, although accounts differ on the exact duration and medical reason behind it.
No confirmed medical diagnosis explaining his condition has been publicly disclosed.
Viral Video
Iqbal’s case drew wider public attention after videos showing him spending long periods in a pond circulated on social media.
Reports from Murshidabad said he would sometimes remain in water for several days, eating while still in the pond. Residents and family members had expressed concern about his health and the difficulty of getting him to stay out of the water.
His family had reportedly sought medical help earlier but was unable to find a lasting solution to the problem.
Mumbai Treatment
After Iqbal’s story received wider attention, arrangements were made for him to travel to Mumbai for medical evaluation and treatment following Anant Ambani’s intervention.
He was admitted to Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, where he is expected to undergo specialised assessment to determine the causes behind his symptoms and behaviour. Reports published on August 18 confirmed that he had been taken to Mumbai for treatment.
The hospital provides specialised medical services across several disciplines, although no details have yet been released about the doctors treating Iqbal or the tests being conducted.
Family Concerns
The case had become a matter of concern in Beldanga as residents regularly saw Iqbal staying in local ponds for extended periods.
According to earlier reports, the teenager said remaining in water provided relief from a burning sensation that developed when he came out. Some reports also referred to unusual beliefs expressed by him about his condition, but these should not be treated as a medical explanation.
His family’s limited ability to pursue prolonged specialised treatment was also cited in reports surrounding the case.
Health Risks
Extended immersion in water can itself create health risks, including skin irritation, softening of the skin and increased vulnerability to infections.
Medical evaluation is therefore important both to determine why Iqbal feels the need to remain in water and to assess any health effects caused by prolonged exposure.
At present, there is no verified public information identifying the condition as a particular rare disease. Any diagnosis would need to come from the medical team after examination.
Social Support
Anant Ambani’s intervention has enabled the teenager to access specialist hospital care outside his home state.
The case also highlights the role that individuals, philanthropic institutions and healthcare organisations can play in connecting vulnerable families with specialised treatment when financial or geographical barriers make medical access difficult.
Further information from the hospital or family would be needed to understand Iqbal’s diagnosis, treatment plan, medical expenses and longer-term outcome.
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