A 16-year-old boy from Murshidabad, West Bengal, has been airlifted to Mumbai for specialized medical treatment after his unusual condition gained widespread attention online and reportedly prompted Anant Ambani to intervene.
The teenager, identified as Iqbal Sheikh, is said to spend much of his time submerged in a pond because being outside the water causes an intense burning sensation across his skin. A video shared on social media shows him sitting almost completely underwater while eating snacks.
According to reports, Iqbal has been dealing with the condition for several years. His family has taken him to multiple hospitals and traditional healers in search of treatment, but his symptoms reportedly persisted. Remaining in water appears to provide temporary relief from the burning and discomfort.
After his story circulated online, industrialist Anant Ambani reportedly offered assistance and arranged for Iqbal to be transported to Mumbai for further medical evaluation and treatment.
Doctors have not yet confirmed the exact cause of his symptoms. Some reports have suggested erythromelalgia as one possibility, a rare condition associated with episodes of burning pain, warmth and redness, typically affecting the hands and feet.
Medical specialists in Mumbai are expected to conduct further tests to determine Iqbal’s diagnosis and identify possible treatment options.