35 students found with wrist cuts in govt school; probe ordered
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In an alarming development, at least 35 students from a government middle school in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district were discovered with cut marks on their wrists, sparking concern among parents and officials. The incident occurred in Dahadaha village within the Kurud block, where students in classes 6, 7, and 8 were found with superficial cuts believed to be around 20–25 days old. The matter came to light after a parent noticed injuries on their child's wrist and reported it to the school principal. Upon closer examination, similar marks were found on numerous other students.
Initial investigations suggest that the students used sharp objects like blades, pins, and thorns to inflict the cuts. Most of the wounds had healed, making them visible only upon close inspection. Authorities have formed a joint team comprising representatives from education, health, revenue, and police departments to probe the incident. The team visited the school, recorded statements from teachers and parents, and interviewed the students.
According to preliminary findings, many students admitted to harming themselves after observing others do the same, indicating a possible case of peer imitation. One student reportedly initiated the act, leading to a chain reaction among their peers. Authorities are now examining whether the behavior was influenced by a dare, a social media trend, or peer pressure. While no definitive conclusion has been reached yet, the incident highlights the growing concern over self-harm and online influences affecting young students globally.
This case underscores the critical need for schools and communities to address mental health issues, peer dynamics, and the potential impact of social media on vulnerable youth. The situation in Chhattisgarh serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by children in navigating modern pressures and the importance of early intervention to prevent such incidents from escalating.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026