Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh), January 24:
In a deeply disturbing incident driven by desperation to secure admission into medical college, a 24-year-old NEET aspirant from Uttar Pradesh allegedly amputated his own foot to obtain a disability certificate and claim reservation under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) quota.
According to police officials, the accused, identified as Suraj Bhaskar, a resident of Khalilpur village under Line Bazar police station limits in Jaunpur district, had been preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) for several years with the aim of becoming an MBBS doctor. After failing to qualify the examination twice, he allegedly resorted to the extreme step in an attempt to benefit from the 5% horizontal reservation available to PwD candidates.
Initial Misleading Complaint
The incident came to light on Sunday morning when police received information that an unidentified group had assaulted a man and severed his left foot. Based on the preliminary complaint, a case was registered against unknown persons and an investigation was initiated.
However, during subsequent questioning at the hospital, Suraj reportedly gave inconsistent statements, raising suspicion among investigators. A detailed probe involving Call Detail Records (CDR) and electronic evidence revealed that no external individuals were involved and that the injury was self-inflicted.
Used Medical Knowledge to Inflict Injury
Police officials stated that Suraj had completed a D-Pharma course, giving him knowledge of injectable medications. He allegedly administered a local anesthetic injection to numb the pain before using a sharp weapon to amputate his own foot. Syringes, medical wrappers, and related items were recovered from a nearby agricultural field.
Investigators further revealed that Suraj had visited Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, two days prior to the incident to inquire about procedures for obtaining a disability certificate.
Diary Reveals Obsession with Becoming a Doctor
During a search of his belongings, police recovered a personal diary in which Suraj had written:
“I will become an MBBS doctor in 2026.”
Officials believe the repeated failures in NEET and inability to secure admission led him to take the drastic step.
No Chance of MBBS Admission, Say Authorities
Police have categorised the case as one of self-inflicted injury with fraudulent intent. Authorities clarified that deliberately causing disability to claim benefits under the PwD quota constitutes fraud, and such candidates are not eligible for medical admissions.
“This is not the first such case. Similar incidents in the past have resulted in cancellation of admissions once fraud was established,” a senior police officer said.
What the Law Says
Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, a candidate must have at least 40% benchmark disability across one of the 21 recognised disability categories. Additionally, medical aspirants must be functionally fit to practice medicine.
The Supreme Court has previously ruled that disability assessment must be holistic and genuine, and that fraudulent claims will not be tolerated.
Legal Consequences
As per RPWD Act provisions, anyone attempting to wrongfully avail disability benefits may face:
- Up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine of ₹10,000 or both for the first offence
- Up to 2 years imprisonment and a fine ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh for repeat offences
Police officials confirmed that legal opinion is being sought to determine the exact sections under which Suraj Bhaskar will be booked. The investigation is ongoing.
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