Youth amputates leg to secure medical seat under disability quota
Jaunpur, (Uttar Pradesh):In a shocking incident highlighting the extreme pressure surrounding medical admissions, a 21-year-old youth from Jaunpur allegedly amputated his own leg in a desperate attempt to secure a medical seat under the disability quota after repeatedly failing the NEET examination.
The youth, identified as Suraj Bhaskar, a resident of Jaunpur town located around 228 km from Lucknow, had been aspiring to become a doctor for several years. Despite appearing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) twice, he failed to secure a qualifying rank. Investigators say his obsession with becoming a doctor ultimately drove him to take an unimaginable step.
According to police, Suraj deliberately severed his left leg and later admitted himself to a hospital, initially claiming that unidentified assailants had attacked him during a scuffle in his locality and fled after injuring him. However, inconsistencies in his statement raised suspicion among the police, prompting a detailed investigation.
During the probe, police examined Suraj’s personal diary, where he had repeatedly written statements such as “I will become a doctor at any cost.” Further questioning of his family members, including his brother, revealed that the injury was self-inflicted. Investigators concluded that Suraj believed obtaining a disability certificate would improve his chances of securing a government medical college seat under the physically challenged quota.
“The truth came out during sustained questioning. He was determined to get a medical seat and thought disability quota was his last option,” a police officer said.
Suraj is currently undergoing treatment at the Jaunpur district hospital, where his condition is said to be critical. Doctors stated that he lost a significant amount of blood and is battling complications following the amputation.
Reacting to the incident, Jaunpur Superintendent of Police Ayush Srivastava said the case had stunned even seasoned officers. “This is an extremely disturbing incident. It has come to light that the injury was self-inflicted with the intention of availing reservation benefits. We are examining under which sections a case can be registered,” the SP said, adding that legal opinion is being sought.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on the intense competition for medical seats in India and the mental health strain faced by aspirants. Experts and educators have called for stronger counselling mechanisms, awareness about alternative career paths, and stricter scrutiny of misuse of reservation benefits.
Authorities said further investigation is underway, and action will be taken based on medical and forensic reports.
