27/01/2026
When Dreams Turn Desperate: UP Youth Amputates Foot to Seek Disability Quota for Medical Admission
In a deeply disturbing incident from Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, a 24-year-old NEET aspirant allegedly cut off part of his own foot in a bid to qualify under the disability quota for MBBS admission — after failing the medical entrance exam twice and facing intense pressure to secure a seat.
According to police, the aspirant, identified as Suraj Bhaskar, initially claimed he had been attacked by unidentified assailants who severed his foot. An FIR was even registered based on that account. But investigators quickly noticed inconsistencies in his story, leading them to suspect the injury was self-inflicted using a machine, with signs that he may have administered anaesthesia to himself before the act.
During the probe, police recovered a diary in which he had written about his fierce aspiration to become a doctor, including a note stating, “I will become an MBBS doctor in 2026.” They also learned he had earlier tried, unsuccessfully, to obtain disability certification from Banaras Hindu University before taking this extreme step.
Suraj is currently receiving treatment in a private hospital and is reported to be stable. Authorities are now studying legal options, which could include charges of cheating, fraud, and causing grievous self-harm if the act is proven deliberate and intended to mislead officials.
Why This Matters
This case is more than an isolated incident — it reflects broader, deeply rooted issues around competitive exams and the education system:
🔹 Immense pressure on medical aspirants: NEET is one of the toughest exams in India, with millions of candidates vying for limited seats.
🔹 Quota system challenges: Medical admission policies allow reservation for persons with benchmark disabilities, but certification is strictly regulated to ensure fairness.
🔹 System misuse concerns: Cases like this can undermine the quota’s intent, to support individuals with genuine impairments, and may lead to tighter verification protocols.
Experts also point out that the psychological and social strain on aspirants is real and underscores the need for better counselling, mental health support, and systemic reform so that students are not driven to irreversible, harmful choices.
A Moment for Reflection
This incident raises tough questions:
Are we placing unrealistic expectations on young aspirants?
Is the quota and admission system supporting deserving candidates equitably?
How can policy and support mechanisms evolve to prevent such extreme outcomes?
This isn’t just a news story; it’s a mirror reflecting the stressful realities of competitive education systems and the human costs they can exact
Soul Searchers
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