Current Date: 16 Dec, 2025
{{entry.title}}

The Astonishing Case of Sanju Bhagat: Living with a Twin Inside Him for 36 Years

Sanju Bhagat, an Indian farmer, lived with an undiagnosed parasitic twin inside his abdomen for 36 years. In 1999, doctors discovered the twin during surgery. This rare condition, fetus in fetu, occurs when a malformed twin is absorbed during pregnancy, surviving within the host sibling's body.

Sanju Bhagat, a man from Nagpur, India, became an extraordinary case in medical history due to a rare condition known as fetus in fetu. This phenomenon occurs when one twin is absorbed by the other during early pregnancy, leading to one twin developing inside the other like a parasitic entity. Bhagat’s story is not just a medical curiosity but also a reflection of societal perceptions and personal struggles.

The Condition Explained

Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition, estimated to occur in about 1 in 500,000 live births. It typically involves one malformed fetus being enclosed within the body of its twin. In Bhagat’s case, he lived for 36 years with his twin growing inside him, which led to a noticeable bulge in his abdomen that earned him the nickname “the pregnant man” among locals

Medical Discovery

Bhagat’s ordeal began when he experienced severe breathing difficulties due to the size of the mass in his abdomen. In June 1999, he was admitted to a hospital where doctors initially suspected a large tumor. However, during surgery, they made a shocking discovery: instead of a tumor, they found a partially formed human being inside him. Dr. Ajay Mehta, who performed the surgery, described the moment as surreal: “To my surprise and horror, I could shake hands with somebody inside”.

The surgical team encountered various body parts including limbs and hair as they removed what turned out to be Bhagat’s twin brother. This discovery was both horrifying and astonishing for the medical professionals involved.

Life After Surgery

After the surgery, Bhagat felt an immense relief as his breathing difficulties disappeared. However, his life had been marked by shame and ridicule due to his condition. For years, he endured teasing from peers who commented on his appearance. Despite the medical miracle that had occurred, Bhagat struggled with the social stigma attached to his unique situation.

The Science Behind Fetus in Fetu

Fetus in fetu occurs very early in twin pregnancies when one fetus envelops the other. The dominant fetus continues to grow while the enveloped fetus survives by leeching nutrients from its sibling through a structure that resembles an umbilical cord. Often, both twins do not survive due to complications arising from sharing a placenta; however, Bhagat’s case was exceptional as he survived alongside his parasitic twin for decades

Conclusion

Sanju Bhagat’s case remains one of the few documented instances of fetus in fetu globally, with fewer than 100 cases recorded in medical literature. His story highlights not only the complexities of human development but also the profound impact such conditions can have on personal identity and social interactions. Today, while Bhagat has returned to leading a normal life, he still faces occasional reminders of his past as “the pregnant man,” illustrating how medical anomalies can intertwine with societal perceptions in unexpected ways

Similar Stories
The Real-Life Sleeping Beauty: A Girl with Hypersomnia Syndrome

The Real-Life Sleeping Beauty: A Girl with Hypersomnia Syndrome

An Indonesian 17-year old teenager Siti Raisa Miranda or Echa, has a rare medical condition formally called Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) where she can sleep for days and weeks without being woken up. Echa was only 13 when she first slept for a week. She’s now 17, and her parents still need to feed her and change her clothes when she experiences the deep levels of grogginess.

Poto And Cabengo: The Secret Language Of Twins

Poto And Cabengo: The Secret Language Of Twins

Poto and Cabengo, as the two girls called each other, communicated in their own language. The twins were ignored by their parents and secluded from the outside world because their father felt they were developmentally retarded, and their unique language evolved as a result of that neglect.

How a Man Fooled Florida with Fake Penguin Tracks for 10 Years

How a Man Fooled Florida with Fake Penguin Tracks for 10 Years

In 1948, Florida’s Clearwater Beach was the stage for one of the longest-running and most peculiar hoaxes in American folklore. Giant three-toed footprints appeared mysteriously in the sand, sparking rumor and fascination about a 15-foot-tall penguin roaming the shores. For a decade, locals and visitors alike speculated and scanned for the elusive creature, never realizing the truth: these tracks were made by a man wearing 30-pound lead shoes designed to imitate an enormous penguin's footprint. This article uncovers the details of this elaborate prank and its lasting legacy in Florida’s cryptic history.

The Story of Tsutomu Yamaguchi: The Man Who Survived Both Atomic Bombs

The Story of Tsutomu Yamaguchi: The Man Who Survived Both Atomic Bombs

Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s story is one of astonishing survival and resilience. In August 1945, while on a business trip in Hiroshima, he endured the catastrophic atomic bombing and, unbelievably, survived to return to his home city of Nagasaki—only to face a second atomic attack days later. Officially recognized as the only person to survive both bombings, Yamaguchi’s life is a powerful testament to human courage, hope, and the devastating impact of nuclear warfare.

Brazilian Man with Rare ‘Upside Down’ Condition Becomes Successful Accountant and Speaker

Brazilian Man with Rare ‘Upside Down’ Condition Becomes Successful Accountant and Speaker

Born in Brazil with the rare and debilitating condition congenital arthrogryposis, which caused his head to be positioned upside down, this man was once written off by doctors who urged his mother to let him starve. Defying grim predictions, he overcame immense challenges to become a successful accountant and a powerful international motivational speaker, inspiring millions worldwide.

Vakil Batirshin’s Story: How Radiation Exposure Caused Severe Lymph Node Swelling

Vakil Batirshin’s Story: How Radiation Exposure Caused Severe Lymph Node Swelling

This is Vakil Batirshin, a man whose severe swelling from enlarged lymph nodes was reportedly caused by radioactive exposure. His condition highlights the devastating and long-term health effects radiation can inflict on the human body—often surfacing years after initial contact. Cases like his underscore the importance of nuclear safety and medical support.