A man stunned hospital staff and bystanders after he walked into a trauma department in Mumbai with a large machete embedded in his skull while calmly scrolling on his mobile phone. Footage from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital shows the young man, identified in local reports only as Isma, sitting upright and appearing unusually composed despite the blade protruding from the left side of his head.
Witnesses described scenes of disbelief as he remained alert, using his phone while waiting for treatment. Authorities said he was admitted in the early hours of Saturday after being attacked with a heavy billhook-style machete known locally as a koita, a large hooked blade commonly used for agricultural work such as cutting vegetation or opening coconuts.
The weapon, which can measure several feet in length, is also frequently depicted in South Indian action films and has a feared reputation in parts of Maharashtra.
Medical staff later confirmed that initial assessments showed no obvious neurological impairment, despite the severity of the injury.
Scans revealed the blade had penetrated the skull and extended roughly 1.5 inches into the brain.
A neurosurgical team led by Dr Batuk Diora carried out emergency surgery under anaesthetic to carefully remove the weapon.
Hospital officials said the operation was successful and that the patient remained conscious afterwards, being transferred to the trauma intensive care unit for monitoring.
In a statement, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said his condition was stable and showing steady improvement following the procedure.
Footage circulating online, reportedly filmed inside the hospital, also shows the man calmly seated among shocked onlookers before treatment began, reinforcing the extraordinary nature of his survival and composure.
Police have not yet confirmed any arrests in connection with the attack, and investigations are ongoing into the circumstances that led to the violent assault.
