The Shocking Case of a NEET Aspirant Who Amputated Part of His Foot for a Disability Quota

In a disturbing turn of events from Uttar Pradesh, a young man named Suraj Bhaskar took an extreme step in his desperate pursuit of an MBBS seat. After failing the NEET exam twice, the 24-year-old from Khalilpur village in Jaunpur allegedly amputated most of his left foot himself, hoping to qualify for the 5% Persons with Disabilities (PwD) quota that could give him a better chance at admission. This incident, which came to light just recently, has sparked widespread shock and debate about the intense pressure on students in India's medical entrance race.

Suraj, who holds a Diploma in Pharmacy, reportedly planned the act carefully. Using his knowledge of medicines, he injected himself with anesthesia to numb the pain before cutting off the front part of his foot, leaving only the heel. He then staged the injury as an assault by unknown attackers on January 18, filing a police complaint for attempted murder. His elder brother initially supported the story, but inconsistencies soon raised red flags.

Police investigations revealed the truth. Call detail records showed no one had approached him that night, and mobile tower data confirmed no assault took place. Evidence like syringes and tools found at his home pointed to self-harm. Most crucially, his girlfriend's statement exposed the plot. A diary recovered from his possession contained repeated entries like "I will become an MBBS doctor in 2026," along with notes about his goals, including marriage. Apparently, Suraj believed becoming a doctor was necessary for his personal life as well.

Suraj is now recovering in a hospital, his condition stable. Police have registered a case against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for filing a false report and misleading the investigation. Legal experts are deciding on further charges.

This case throws light on the brutal competition for NEET. Over 20 lakh students appear every year for roughly 1 lakh MBBS seats. The PwD quota offers some relief with lower cutoffs and reservations, but self-inflicted injuries do not qualify, and fraud attempts like this are illegal.

Online reactions have been strong. Many people expressed sympathy for the mental strain on students, while others criticized the system that pushes young minds to such extremes. Some mocked the act, calling it foolish, and a few pointed fingers at reservation policies or the glamorous image of doctors spread on social media. The incident has reignited calls for better mental health support and reforms in the entrance exam process.

It's a sad reminder of how far desperation can drive someone. The dream of becoming a doctor is admirable, but not at the cost of one's body or integrity. Hopefully, this shocking story leads to more conversations about balancing ambition with well-being.