The brutal killing of Class 10 student Nayan Santani in an Ahmedabad school has triggered surprise bag checks across city campuses, exposing a disturbing reality of student life.
Alongside books and lunchboxes, schools have confiscated mobiles, tablets, lighters, cigarettes, vapes and, in some cases, alcohol hidden in bottles. One principal admitted, “It is shocking and worrying to see how far student life has drifted beyond academics.”Educators reported finding blades, paper cutters, chains, lipsticks, nail filers, deodorants, oral contraceptives, condoms, spare clothes and even jewellery.
Some students were caught with playing cards, expensive pens, large sums of cash, and romantic or pornographic novels. While parents are notified and items returned during meetings, some even justify their children’s choices.
One administrator revealed the most startling find: an imported energy drink worth ₹1,500, smuggled in bottles and used as barter for homework or favours in class.Most schools prefer counselling over punishment, though cases involving drugs or weapons are reported to the District Education Office or police.
“The environment around them influences these innocent children. We need to ask why a child brings a blade or a novel before deciding what action to take,” a principal said.Experts link the trend to peer pressure, popular culture and easy access to substances at home. Psychologist Dr. Prashant Bhimani noted, “If one child brings something, others follow. K-pop and web series normalise adult habits for teenagers.” Counsellor Smita Ghosh added, “Violence on OTT platforms makes some students feel they need weapons for self-defence.”Educators warn the issue runs deeper than confiscations. “Bag checks only scratch the surface. What we find inside reflects the world outside—homes, screens, and streets,” said a school head.