NEET pressure turns deadly: Youngster amputates own foot for disability quota
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Lucknow: In a disturbing incident from eastern Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district, a 24-year-old man allegedly amputated part of his own left foot in an attempt to obtain a disability certificate and secure admission to an MBBS course through reservations linked to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The case has left police officials stunned and raised troubling questions about the extreme pressures surrounding medical admissions in the country.
The youth, identified as Suraj Bhaskar, a resident of Khalipur under the Line Bazar police station limits, had completed a Diploma in Pharmacy and was preparing to appear for NEET. The incident took place on January 18, but came to light on Friday after police began probing what was initially reported as a case of violent assault.
According to police, Suraj had approached the authorities claiming that unknown assailants had attacked him during the night, leaving him unconscious and resulting in the amputation of his left foot, with only the heel remaining. Acting on his statement and a written complaint, police registered a case of attempted murder against unidentified persons and launched an investigation.
However, investigators soon noticed glaring inconsistencies in Suraj’s account. “The victim kept changing his statement and tried to mislead the police,” said Circle Officer (City) Goldie Gupta. The shifting versions raised suspicion, prompting officers to dig deeper into the circumstances surrounding the injury.
A detailed probe, including analysis of call detail records, revealed that no one had visited Suraj on the night he claimed to have been assaulted. Police also discovered that he was in a relationship with a woman and planning to get married, and that he was determined to gain admission to an MBBS course in 2026 “at any cost”, as per officials familiar with the investigation.
During questioning of the woman he was in relationship with, police learned that Suraj had earlier travelled to Banaras Hindu University in October to try to obtain disability-related documentation, an attempt that did not succeed. Investigators believe this failure may have pushed him towards an extreme and desperate act.
Medical examination and forensic assessment suggested that the foot had been severed cleanly, likely using a machine rather than a sharp weapon. Police also found injections near the under-construction house where Suraj was staying, indicating possible use of anaesthesia. Given his pharmacy background, officers believe he had the knowledge to administer injections to himself before carrying out the act.
Despite extensive searches, the severed portion of the foot could not be recovered. Police also found a personal diary in which Suraj reportedly wrote daily goals. Entries indicated a clear fixation on securing MBBS admission in 2026. Officials said he had also filled out marriage registration forms, suggesting plans for the future that he feared might collapse without a medical seat.
According to the police, Suraj first tried calling family members around 5 am after the incident, but received no response. He then contacted a relative, who alerted the family. He was initially taken to the district hospital and later shifted to a trauma centre for advanced treatment. His condition is stated to be stable.
Police said Suraj’s statement would be formally recorded once he is discharged, and appropriate legal action will follow, including proceedings for filing a false complaint and misleading investigators.
Beyond the criminal aspects, the incident has sparked a wider debate. This is a grim reflection of a system where competition for medical seats has become so ruthless that a young man felt compelled to permanently disable himself to improve his chances. The case has underscored the intense societal pressure, scarcity of opportunities, and desperation that continue to surround MBBS admissions in India, raising uncomfortable questions about access, equity and the human cost of the race for a medical degree.
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Belagavi: Married man jumps into Malaprabha river with lover
Belagavi: A married young man allegedly died by suicide after jumping into the Malaprabha river along with his lover on Wednesday morning under the jurisdiction of the Ramadurga police station. The incident is said to have occurred after his family opposed his second marriage.
The deceased have been identified as Jagadish Yallappa Kavalekar (27) and Gangamma Pavadeppa Tyapi (26), both residents of Mallapur village in the taluk.
According to police, Jagadish’s wife had gone to her parental home in Bochabal village for her first delivery. Dur ing this period, discussions regarding Jagadish’s second marriage reportedly arose within the family.
When family members insisted that the issue be addressed only after his wife returned, opposition intensified, leading to tension at home.
Following the disagreement, Jagadish and Gangamma left their homes on Monday. Their bodies were found in the Malaprabha river on Wednesday morning. Upon receiving information, the Ramadurga police rushed to the spot and retrieved the bodies from the river. Police said the bodies were found embracing each other.
A case has been registered at the Ramadurga police station, and further investigation is underway.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
