A 17-year-old UPSC aspirant in Prayagraj is now recovering in the hospital after he cut off his genitals at home. The teenager told doctors he had long felt he was a girl trapped in a boy’s body.

The boy, whose parents are a farmer and a homemaker, had been the center of his family’s dreams of seeing him become an IAS officer. He had studied under the CBSE board and moved to Prayagraj for coaching but struggled to concentrate on his studies as questions about his gender identity weighed heavily on him.

He said he first felt different at age 14, during a school dance with girls, and kept the feelings to himself, fearing his parents would not accept him.

In Prayagraj, he began researching online about how a boy could become a girl and came across videos on surgeries. He eventually contacted a local doctor, named Dr Zenith, who allegedly advised him to remove his private parts and explained how to do it at home.

The teenager acquired anaesthesia, a surgical blade, and other necessary items. Alone in his rented room, he injected himself and carried out the act. When the pain and bleeding became severe, he called for help. His landlord arranged an ambulance, taking him first to Tej Bahadur Sapru Hospital before he was shifted to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital.

Doctors said the act was extremely dangerous and could have been fatal. Surgeons have stabilised him and plan to create a new urinary passage. His mother urged doctors to restore him to his original state. Medical experts have recommended counselling, as the case requires both physical and psychological care.

Questions about his gender identity had been weighing on him for years. In his desperation to become a girl, he followed the doctor’s advice. Experts say the case underlines the importance of providing both medical and mental health support for teenagers struggling with gender identity issues.