A 39-year-old candidate died on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) allegedly after his health deteriorated during a physical test for Uttar Pradesh Home Guards recruitment in Meerut, police said.

A total of 1,017 candidates appeared for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) conducted at Kailash Prakash Sports Stadium in Civil Lines, they said.

During the test, 11 candidates complained of ill health and were provided first aid before being shifted to the Medical College, Meerut, for treatment, police said.

Eight candidates were discharged from the hospital after their condition improved, while two remain under treatment, according to the police.

Among those undergoing treatment was Ankuj Malik, 39, a resident of Lisad village under the Kotwali police station area in Shamli district.

Malik suddenly fell unconscious while he was going to the bathroom at the hospital. Prima facie, his death appears to have been caused by a heart attack, police said.

Necessary legal proceedings are being carried out in the matter as per rules, police added.