Forty Students Injured In Blade Challenge Inspired By Video Game

Bagasara, 26th March 2025: In a disturbing incident that has shocked the local community, approximately 40 students from Mota Munjiyasar Primary School in Bagasara, Gujarat, were found to have deliberately cut their hands with blades. The self-harm act was reportedly part of a challenge inspired by a video game, raising serious concerns about the influence of digital media on young minds.

The incident came to light when parents noticed unusual injuries on their children’s hands. Initially, the school administration allegedly instructed the students to remain silent about the matter, leading to a brief period of misinformation. However, the truth emerged when one vigilant parent uncovered the real story behind the cuts.

According to local sources, a Class 7 student, influenced by a popular video game, initiated the challenge. He offered a reward of ₹10 to classmates who would cut their hands using blades from pencil sharpeners. Those who refused to participate were asked to pay ₹5. This bizarre dare spread quickly among students from Classes 5, 6, and 7, resulting in numerous injuries.

Jaysukh Khetani, the Village Sarpanch, expressed his shock at the incident. “We never imagined that a video game could lead to such dangerous behavior among our children. This is a wake-up call for all of us,” Khetani said. He, along with other concerned village representatives, filed a police complaint on Tuesday evening to ensure a thorough investigation.

Bagasara Police Sub-Inspector Salunke confirmed receiving the complaint. “We will begin our investigation as soon as the school reopens. Our priority is to understand how this incident occurred and to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Salunke stated.

The incident has sparked a heated debate about the responsibility of schools in ensuring student safety. Many parents have criticized the school administration for allegedly attempting to cover up the incident initially and for not taking immediate action to address the situation.

Rajesh Patel, a parent of a Class 6 student, voiced his concerns: “The school should have informed us immediately.Their delay in action could have led to more serious consequences. We need stricter monitoring of what our children are exposed to, both in school and at home.”

The incident has also highlighted the growing influence of mobile gaming on young children. Child psychologist Dr. Meera Shah emphasized the need for parental guidance and monitoring. “Parents must be aware of the content their children are consuming. It’s crucial to have open conversations about the dangers of imitating harmful acts seen in games or online,” Dr. Shah advised.

Local education authorities have announced plans to conduct awareness programs in schools across the district to educate students about the dangers of such challenges. They are also considering implementing stricter policies regarding mobile phone usage within school premises.