Man almost drowns in reality TV stunt

A 22-year-old almost died while taking part in a dangerous stunt for a TV reality show performed at a mall late on Sunday.

Anjar Khan had strolled into Treasure Island mall when he came across the competition to publicise Khatron Ke Khilari, a new reality show to be aired on Colors entertainment channel. Visitors were dared to remain under water in a glass tank for as long as possible.

Anjar stayed in the tank for 3-5 minutes — when onlookers realised something was wrong. He was pulled out, but after taking a few steps he collapsed. He is currently on ventilator support. Doctors said water had entered his lungs.

Police were questioning three executives of Candid Marketing, which organised the show. Visitors alleged there was no doctor around, as required, at the show.

District Collector Rakesh Shrivastav said, “The required permission was not taken for this show. We are issuing a notice to the organisers.” Candid Marketing and Viacom 18 Media, which runs Colors, did not respond to queries from HT for their version.

Treasure Island’s CK Menon, said: “We only provided the space to host the event, which was handled by the event managers of Colors channel.” He said Candid Marketing was supposed to take permission from administration.