Shocking Self-Harm Case in Varanasi: Man Cuts Off Foot for Medical College Admission
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the medical education community, a 24-year-old man from Jaunpur has been found to have deliberately severed his own left foot in a desperate attempt to qualify for disability benefits for NEET medical admission. The case, which unfolded in Varanasi, reveals extreme measures some aspirants might consider in India's highly competitive medical entrance landscape.
The Gruesome Discovery and Initial Investigation
According to City Circle Officer Goldie Gupta, police received a report on January 18 stating that Suraj Bhaskar, a 24-year-old resident of Khalilpur's Line Bazar area, had been assaulted at midnight and woke up to find his left foot severed, with only the heel remaining. Based on his initial statement, authorities filed an FIR against two unknown persons and launched a thorough investigation into what appeared to be a violent attack.
However, during subsequent questioning, Suraj began changing his story repeatedly, raising suspicions among investigating officers. His inconsistent accounts prompted police to dig deeper into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Unraveling the Truth Through Digital and Personal Evidence
The investigation took a dramatic turn when police examined Suraj's call records and discovered he had a girlfriend. More crucially, they found a diary in which Suraj meticulously documented his goals before undertaking any task. The diary contained startling entries about his determination to secure MBBS admission by 2026 through any means necessary.
Police also recovered a filled marriage registration form from his possession. When questioned, Suraj's girlfriend revealed his growing desperation to gain admission to a medical college by 2026, providing crucial context for his extreme actions.
The Desperate Plan and Its Execution
The investigation revealed that Suraj, who holds a D-Pharma degree and was preparing for NEET, had visited Banaras Hindu University in October to obtain disability documentation but failed in his attempt. Frustrated by this setback, he reportedly decided to create his own disability.
Electronic evidence including CDR (Call Detail Records), BTS (Base Transceiver Station) data, and tower dump analysis confirmed that no assault had taken place on the night in question. Medical opinions and further examination of the evidence raised additional doubts about the initial assault narrative.
Technical Aspects of the Self-Harm Incident
Police searched the under-construction house where the incident occurred and its surroundings but could not locate the severed foot. However, they discovered some injections in a nearby field, possibly containing anesthetic substances. Given Suraj's pharmaceutical background and knowledge of injection administration, investigators believe he likely used anesthesia to numb the area before proceeding with the amputation.
The clean cut suggested the use of a machine rather than a weapon attack, further supporting the theory of deliberate self-harm rather than external assault.
Aftermath and Current Status
The investigation revealed that Suraj attempted to contact his family around 5 AM following the incident. When they didn't answer, he called a relative's phone, through which the family eventually learned about the situation.
Police immediately rushed Suraj to the district hospital before transferring him to a trauma center for specialized care. After initial treatment, his family moved him to a private hospital in Jaunpur where he underwent surgery. He is currently reported to be in stable condition and continues to receive medical treatment.
Legal Proceedings and Future Actions
Initially registered as an attempt-to-murder case against unknown persons, the investigation has now turned toward Suraj himself. Authorities plan to lodge a case against him for misleading investigators during the inquiry process. Once discharged from medical care, his formal statement will be recorded as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
This shocking case highlights the extreme pressure faced by medical aspirants in India and raises serious questions about the measures some might consider in their pursuit of medical education through disability quotas.
