A 17-year-old boy has allegedly been murdered by a group in India after they were reportedly misled by a social media claim that human testicles could fetch millions of rupees on the black market.
The teenager, identified only as Rehan, was allegedly lured to a secluded location on August 6 before being stabbed to death.
Police in Bhopal, India, said the suspects allegedly removed the teenager’s testicles after the killing, believing they could sell them for about 12 million Indian rupees — approximately £92,000.
Investigators believe the group was motivated by a false claim circulating on social media about the supposed value of human testicles.
Police have arrested 20-year-old business student Zoheb Khan, described as the alleged mastermind, while 18-year-old Aamir Qureshi has also been arrested. Three minors have reportedly been detained in connection with the case.
According to investigators, Khan allegedly recruited the group and convinced them that the organs could be sold to buyers in the Gulf for a huge amount of money.
Police further allege that Khan posed as a doctor and claimed to know how to remove the organs. He reportedly purchased a white apron, stethoscope and thermometer online and used them while allegedly training the others.
Rehan, who worked as a street vendor, was reportedly approached at his stall by two youths who offered him 100 rupees to help with an arranged fight. Police believe the offer was used to lure him to the location where he was later killed.
Ayush Gupta, deputy commissioner of police in Bhopal, said four of the accused allegedly took part in the killing while Khan guided them through a video call.
The group reportedly failed to find a buyer for the organs. Police allege that Khan subsequently instructed them to dispose of the organs in separate lakes.
Rehan’s body was recovered from Lower Lake near Dhobi Ghat on August 10, four days after he was reported missing by his mother.
Police said he was identified through a tattoo.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and the role of each suspect.
