Sanju Bhagat: The Man Who Lived With His Parasitic Twin for 36 Years

How One Man’s Stomach Swelling Led to a Global Medical Sensation

In 1999, Sanju Bhagat arrived at a hospital in Mumbai with his abdomen grotesquely swollen. The pressure was so intense he could barely breathe. Doctors initially suspected a massive tumor, but during surgery, they made a shocking discovery: Bhagat had been carrying the undeveloped body of his twin inside him—complete with hair, bones, and even limbs.

What they removed wasn’t a growth. It was a partially developed fetus.

This phenomenon, called fetus in fetu, occurs when one twin absorbs the other during pregnancy. The undeveloped twin becomes trapped inside its sibling’s body and grows as a parasitic organism, depending on the host’s blood supply.

What Is Fetus in Fetu? The Rare Condition That Defined Bhagat’s Life

Medically speaking, fetus in fetu is one of the rarest conditions known to science—diagnosed in fewer than 200 documented cases. It differs from a tumor or teratoma because the enclosed mass often has distinguishable features: a spine, limbs, hair, and sometimes even functioning organs.

In Bhagat’s case, the twin had developed so extensively that doctors recovered limbs, fingernails, and a partially formed face. Over time, this internal pressure caused Bhagat’s breathing issues and swollen belly, which eventually led to the life-saving surgery.

What Happened After Sanju Bhagat’s Surgery?

The operation was successful, and Sanju Bhagat survived, finally free from a condition that had quietly shaped his life for over three decades. Though shaken, he remained remarkably grounded and didn’t seek attention. When asked about the ordeal, he simply said, “I’m just glad it’s gone.”

His case was featured on medical programs like The Body Odd and Medical Mysteries, and quickly became a viral sensation, earning entries in medical textbooks, documentaries, and even Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Sanju Bhagat’s Legacy in Modern Medical History

This is more than just a strange tale, it’s a window into the human body’s unpredictable biology. Bhagat’s story is now one of the most well-documented examples of fetus in fetu, offering insight into embryonic development and medical diagnostics.

It also serves as a reminder that medical anomalies can hide in plain sight, affecting people who appear otherwise healthy.

Common Questions

Q: How was Sanju Bhagat diagnosed?
A: Doctors discovered the parasitic twin during surgery after he was hospitalized for severe abdominal swelling and breathing issues.

Q: How rare is this condition?
A: Fetus in fetu occurs in about 1 in 500,000 births, with fewer than 200 documented cases worldwide.

Q: What is the difference between fetus in fetu and a teratoma?
A: A teratoma is a tumor that may contain various tissues, while fetus in fetu has organized fetal parts like limbs and a spine.

Q: What is fetus in fetu?
A: A rare condition where a malformed fetus becomes enclosed within its twin’s body.

Q: What is a parasitic twin?
A: A parasitic twin is a dependent, underdeveloped twin that survives using the host’s biological resources.

Edward Mordake – Man With Creepy Parasitic Twin Head

If Sanju Bhagat’s story fascinated you, wait until you read about Edward Mordake – a 19th-century man said to have a second, talking face on the back of his head.

While often debated as legend or fact, his tale echoes the eerie reality of parasitic twinning in a completely different, psychological way.