A dangerous social media stunt involving a female tiger ended in tragedy after the animal attacked and killed a 19-year-old farm worker in Lahore, Pakistan.
The incident took place at a private farm in Kahna, where the tiger was reportedly taken out of its enclosure at the request of TikTok content creator Nouman Hassan.
According to a report by the Manchester Evening News, the animal attacked the worker, identified as Talha, who was employed at the farm.
Talha was rushed to hospital following the attack but succumbed to his injuries.
Police subsequently arrested the farm owner, identified as Fayyaz, and Hassan in connection with the incident.
The female tiger has since been placed in a breeding enclosure at the farm.
Police said Hassan initially claimed that Talha had been attacked by a dog. However, further investigations uncovered that the teenager had actually been mauled by the tiger.
Lahore Police stressed that social media interests must never be placed above human life, warning that no one should endanger others for entertainment or personal hobbies.
“Interest in TikTok cannot outweigh the value of human life. No one is allowed to put human lives at risk in the name of hobbies or entertainment.
“Attempts to conceal the facts and every aspect of negligence will be investigated,” the police said.
Authorities are also investigating whether the farm had a permit to keep tigers and whether the required safety measures were properly followed.
Hassan is known for posting videos featuring dangerous encounters with big cats.
In one video shared on his Instagram account, he was seen attempting to kiss a chained tiger.
Another clip showed him petting a leopard before the animal suddenly lunged at him and scratched him.
