Jharkhand YouTuber sets home studio on fire; family rescued, equipment worth over Rs. 10 lakh destroyed

Local police and neighbours managed to rescue the family, but equipment and property valued at more than Rs. 10 lakh were destroyed in the blaze.

The individual, identified as Vidhayak Prajapati, ran a film editing and digital content studio from his residence. Neighbours said Prajapati had sold ancestral land to build the modern studio, hoping to achieve success on YouTube.

However, after months of failing to gain traction, he reportedly fell into a severe depression.

Prakash Kumar Arun, a former village head and neighbour, said Prajapati had become reclusive in the days leading up to the incident. Around 10:00 PM on Saturday, he locked himself inside the studio and ignited the fire.

The family, trapped behind an iron door locked from the inside, screamed for help as smoke and flames filled the house. Neighbours alerted the Meral police, who broke through a side wall to rescue the family.

The blaze destroyed expensive cameras, computers, monitors, lighting equipment, and sound systems.

The family is now facing a financial crisis and has appealed to local authorities for support.

During the rescue, Prajapati reportedly escaped by jumping over a back wall. Relatives found him the following morning and have since taken him to Ranchi for psychiatric treatment.

Authorities are continuing to monitor his condition.

The incident highlights the pressures faced by young content creators pursuing digital fame, as well as the mental health challenges associated with online careers.