Copycat Syndrome Suspected After 35 Students Found with Self-Inflicted Arm Injuries in Chhattisgarh
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across Chhattisgarh, authorities in Dhamtari district have discovered 35 school-going children with cut and slash marks on their arms. The preliminary probe by the district administration strongly indicates a possible "copycat syndrome" where students became fascinated watching each other inflict these superficial injuries.
Details of the Incident
The affected students, including 12 girls, are from classes 6 to 8 at the Government Middle School in the remote Dahadaha village of Kurud block. Officials confirmed the marks were two to six weeks old, with some injuries reportedly dating back more than a year. The children allegedly used pins and other stationary objects to scratch their arms, primarily within school washrooms.
Official Investigation Findings
A joint probe team comprising police, district administration, and officials from education and health departments conducted a thorough investigation. Dhamtari SP Suraj Singh Parihar stated that the evidence points toward peer imitation rather than any coordinated criminal act. "Initial findings do not indicate drug use or influence of superstition, black magic, or online games based on tasks," Parihar emphasized.
The investigation revealed that mobile phones of some children were checked after receiving inputs about tattoo-related content browsing, but nothing suspicious was discovered. "So far, no Korean games or online game angle has emerged," the SP added, confirming that no complaints have been filed and no criminal angle has been identified.
Student and Official Statements
One minor boy told mediapersons that he scratched his wrist due to stress at home and knew others who did the same because of heartbreak. "They did it inside the school washroom. Many students have been doing it for months," he revealed.
Dhamtari Collector Abhinash Mishra explained that the matter came to light approximately 15 days ago when parents noticed the marks and raised concerns with school authorities. "The children might not have necessarily used blades. In many cases, they used safety pins. They seemed to have gotten fascinated seeing each other and repeated the act," Mishra stated.
Administrative Response and Measures
In response to the incident, the school principal has been served a show-cause notice, and counselors have been urgently dispatched to the village to engage with both children and parents. A joint preliminary report by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Officer of Police has been submitted, outlining the findings.
Principal Punit Ram Sahu confirmed that the school first learned of the issue on February 13. "It began with one or two children making marks as a stunt, and others followed," he explained, highlighting the imitative nature of the behavior.
Broader Implications and Recommendations
Officials have suggested the possibility of a "truth and dare" game where children dare each other with tasks, though this hasn't been explicitly confirmed in student statements. The collector has appealed to parents and schoolteachers to closely monitor children's activities and behavior patterns to prevent similar incidents.
This case underscores the importance of addressing peer pressure and emotional well-being among school children, particularly in remote areas where counseling resources may be limited. The administration's swift response in deploying counselors reflects growing awareness about mental health issues affecting young students.
