A 17-year-old boy was allegedly murdered by a gang after its members were misled into believing that human testicles could be sold for as much as £100,000, police in India have said.
Investigators believe the suspects were influenced by a social media video that falsely promoted claims about the supposed black-market value of human testicles.
The victim, identified only as Rehan, was reportedly taken to an isolated location before being stabbed to death by the group.
According to police, the suspects removed his testicles and preserved them in ice while attempting to locate a buyer on the black market who would pay a large sum.
Police investigating the killing have arrested 20-year-old business student Zoheb Khan, described as the main suspect, along with 18-year-old alleged accomplice Aamir Qureshi. Three minors have also been detained in connection with the case.
Investigators allege that Khan recruited the group and told them the organs could be sold for approximately 12 million Indian rupees, equivalent to about £92,465, in the Gulf’s black market.
Police further allege that Khan pretended to be a doctor and claimed he knew how to remove the organs. He reportedly bought a white apron, stethoscope and thermometer online and used the items while allegedly training members of the group.
Rehan, who worked as a street vendor, was allegedly lured to the location on August 6 after two youths approached him at his stall. They reportedly offered him 100 rupees, about 77p, to assist with what they described as an arranged fight.
Ayush Gupta, the deputy commissioner of police in Bhopal, said four of the accused were involved in the killing, while Khan allegedly directed them during the operation through a video call.
After the suspects were unable to find a buyer for the organs, Khan allegedly instructed them to dispose of the remains in separate lakes.
Police recovered Rehan’s body from Lower Lake near Dhobi Ghat on August 10. He was identified through a tattoo, five days after his mother reported him missing.
