Key Points:
35 students of a government middle school in Dahadaha village, Dhamtari had similar wrist cuts
Students were from Classes 6 to 8, including 21 boys and 14 girls
Injuries were superficial and caused using blades or safety pins
Probe ruled out mobile game challenge, addiction and mental illness
Authorities say behavior spread through peer imitation
A government middle school in Dahadaha village, Kurud block of Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh has come under scrutiny after 35 students were found with similar cuts on their wrists. The case surfaced on February 13, 2026, when parents noticed marks on their children and alerted school authorities, who then informed district officials.
The affected children, 21 boys and 14 girls from Classes 6 to 8, had inflicted injuries inside or around the school premises over time. The wounds were described as superficial and healed.
Parents expressed anger, questioning how sharp objects reached students and why the injuries went unnoticed for weeks.
Investigators found the behavior did not happen in a single day. Some reports say the trend continued nearly a month before detection, while another probe assessment indicates the activity had been occurring for up to five months.
Students reportedly cut their wrists at different places and times using blades or safety pins.
Initial speculation suggested a viral online challenge. Officials dismissed that possibility after checking phones and counselling students.
Sub Divisional Magistrate Nabh Singh said no gaming challenge or intoxication was found in the preliminary enquiry.
Police and administrators also ruled out online game influence, substance abuse and psychological disorder.
Investigators now believe the injuries were a case of peer imitation rather than self harm intent.
Officials said some students copied similar behavior seen in older youths outside school, after which the act became infectious among classmates and was repeated playfully.
Authorities described the cuts as non serious and not suicidal in nature.
A joint team including the SDM, police officers, education officials and medical staff visited the school and counselled students and parents.
The district administration issued a show cause notice to principal Punit Ram Sahu over supervision lapses.
Officials said they will continue monitoring the children and strengthen safety measures inside the campus.
(Rh/ARC)