Sunday, Jan 22, 2017

Manama: A Kuwaiti man has set his friend on fire in an extreme prank that went too far and sparked calls for punitive action.

Jassem Rajab who has made a name for himself on social media platforms for posting short videos of various pranks, posted a one-minute video in which he was engaged in a daring game with his friend, Saudi news site Al Marsad reported on Sunday.

“I am here in a challenge to Abu Rajab,” said the friend who had his hands tied behind his back and his eyes covered with a blindfold, referring to the prankster as the two stood facing the camera.

The victim dared him to prove how masculine he was.

“I dare you and I challenge ten people like you,” he said.

When the unsuspecting victim confirmed the challenge, the prankster calmly poured gasoline on his clothes and set him on fire.

The victim was horrified and sought to escape from the fire engulfing him before the operation crew intervened to put it out and to free him.

The video later showed the two men together and the prankster insisting that he had taken all the precautions to ensure that nobody was at risk.

“We had a special cream to protect him and we had fire extinguishers nearby,” Jassem said.

The victim, visibly shaken by the dangerous stunt, said that he had not know being set on fire was part of the prank.

“I saw death with my eyes. I thought it was going to be a light prank, but I did not expect to be set on fire.”

Social media users said that Jassem had gone too far and that he should be severely punished for his action.

Rima, a user, said that extreme pranksters should be punished.

“It was highly dangerous and horrible.”

Wise Words, another user, said that the prank lacked imagination, common sense and good humour.

Salman expressed concerns about the extent of the actions taken by some people to attract attention on social media.

“We have a grave problem with the Instagram generation who, save for a few, lack morals and good education,” he posted.

For Video log on to Gulf News

By Habib Toumi Bureau Chief

Gulf News 2017. All rights reserved.