UP NEET Aspirant Amputates Foot for Disability Quota: A Desperate Cry for an MBBS Seat

Diary entry reveals why a NEET aspirant from UP amputated his foot

In the relentless pursuit of a white coat and a stethoscope, a 24-year-old man from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, took a horrifying step that has sent shockwaves across the nation. He allegedly amputated his own foot. His goal? To exploit the disability quota for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and finally secure an MBBS seat after failing the grueling exam not once, but twice . This isn’t just a crime story; it’s a stark, terrifying reflection of the immense pressure cooker that is India’s medical education system.

Table of Contents

The Chilling Incident and the Diary Revelation

Initially, the young man, identified as Suraj Bhaskar, reported to the police that he had been the victim of a violent attack where his foot was severed . However, the story quickly unraveled. A meticulous investigation by local authorities led them to a far more disturbing truth hidden within his personal diary and corroborated by his girlfriend’s statement . The diary contained a chilling declaration: “I will become an MBBS doctor in 2026” . This single line laid bare his motive—a desperate, self-inflicted act of mutilation to gain an unfair advantage in the fiercely competitive world of medical admissions.

Reports suggest he used a machine to carry out the amputation and may have even used anesthetics to dull the pain, indicating a level of premeditation that is both calculated and deeply alarming . This wasn’t a moment of panic; it was a cold, strategic decision born out of years of academic pressure and perceived failure.

NEET Aspirant Amputates Foot: The Disability Quota Explained

The central pillar of this tragedy is the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) reservation policy in NEET. To understand the gravity of his actions, one must understand the system he was trying to game.

Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, candidates with a certified benchmark disability of at least 40% are eligible for a 5% horizontal reservation in both the All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota seats for MBBS and BDS courses [[11], [15]]. This policy is a crucial and well-intentioned measure to ensure equitable access to medical education for those who face genuine physical challenges.

However, to avail of this reservation, a candidate must possess a valid PwD certificate issued by an authorized medical board, which includes a Unique Disability Identification (UDID) [[13], [17]]. The process is designed to be rigorous to prevent fraud. In this case, the aspirant’s plan was to present his self-inflicted injury as a legitimate disability to obtain this certificate and claim a seat under the quota.

Key Requirements for PwD Reservation in NEET

  • A minimum of 40% benchmark disability as defined by the RPwD Act, 2016.
  • A valid PwD certificate from a designated government medical authority.
  • The certificate must include the Unique Disability Identification (UDID).
  • The reservation is a 5% horizontal quota across all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) .

The Crushing Pressure Cooker of MBBS Admissions

While the act itself is indefensible, it forces us to confront the toxic environment that could drive a young person to such extremes. The competition for an MBBS seat in India is nothing short of brutal.

Every year, over 20 lakh students register for the NEET exam, but there are only around 1.23 lakh MBBS seats available nationwide . This staggering imbalance creates a high-stakes, winner-takes-all scenario. For many families, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, an MBBS degree is seen as the ultimate ticket to social mobility, financial security, and prestige. The weight of these expectations can be crushing.

This intense pressure doesn’t just lead to academic stress; it has severe mental health consequences. Studies have shown that a significant number of medical students in India experience depression and anxiety, with some even reporting suicidal thoughts [[18], [19]]. The fear of failure, of letting down one’s family, and of a future without the promised stability of a medical career can create a sense of hopelessness that clouds judgment. This case is a tragic, extreme manifestation of that despair.

A System Under Scrutiny: What Needs to Change?

This incident is a glaring red flag for multiple stakeholders:

  1. Educational Authorities: While the PwD reservation system is vital, its verification process must be made more robust to prevent such heinous attempts at fraud. Medical boards issuing certificates need to be vigilant for signs of self-inflicted injuries.
  2. Society and Families: There needs to be a cultural shift in how we view success. An MBBS degree is not the only path to a fulfilling and prosperous life. Parents and communities must support their children’s diverse talents and aspirations, reducing the singular, overwhelming focus on becoming a doctor.
  3. Mental Health Infrastructure: Access to affordable and stigma-free mental health counseling must be integrated into the school and college system, especially for students preparing for high-stakes exams like NEET. Early intervention can prevent such crises.

For students navigating this path, it’s crucial to remember that your worth is not defined by a single exam. Explore other rewarding careers in healthcare, research, or technology. [INTERNAL_LINK:alternative-careers-after-neet-failure] can be a valuable resource.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for India

The story of the NEET aspirant amputating his foot is a horrifying tale of a system that has pushed a young mind to its absolute breaking point. It is a criminal act, yes, but it is also a profound societal failure. We must respond with a dual approach: ensuring the integrity of our reservation policies while simultaneously addressing the root causes of this unbearable pressure. Our education system should nurture dreams, not destroy lives in the process. This case must serve as a wake-up call to build a more compassionate and balanced ecosystem for our future professionals.

Sources

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top