600 Students Left a ‘Haunted’ Hostel in Maharashtra—What Happened?

An unusual situation has arisen at a government residential school hostel in Doma village, located in Maharashtra's Amravati district. Rumours of a "ghostly presence" and girls being "controlled" began to circulate after four female students suddenly started behaving strangely. Therefore, within a few days, around 600 tribal students left the hostel.

However, according to the preliminary observations of health experts, no supernatural element has been linked to the incident; instead, factors such as mental stress, fear, and local superstitions are believed to be complicating the situation.

The incident began on July 22. Four female students at a tribal residential school in Doma village suddenly started crying and laughing abnormally. Their behaviour sparked fear among the other students. The school is located in the Melghat region of Chikhaldara Taluka in Amravati; it has a total of approximately 810 students who both study and reside there.

Rumours regarding the behaviour of 4 female students spread rapidly. A source at the hostel claimed that some students had even reported hearing the sound of anklets.

Subsequently, local beliefs and various tall tales increased the situation. Officials reported that within a few days, approximately 600 students left the ‘haunted’ hostel.

A senior official from the Tribal Development Department said that a team of health experts visited the school to check the situation. According to the experts' preliminary review, there is no link between these symptoms and any supernatural phenomenon; the possibility of a panic-like condition associated with mental stress has been suggested.

Following the incident, various theories circulated among students and local residents; these beliefs were even noted in the psychological report prepared by the administration.

One common local belief is that a Mahua tree—once home to spirits—previously stood on the school grounds. Rumours spread that these spirits, very angry after the tree was cut down, were tormenting the students.

Another theory suggests that the local deity was displeased because the school's drainage system overstepped upon the site of the deity's shrine, located behind the school. Some also linked the death of a tribal youth in a nearby field to the presence of these spirits.

Several senior members of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti visited the school to speak with and advise the students.

They pushed the students and local residents to view the incident from a scientific perspective rather than through the lens of fear or superstition. The administration has also told a similar message.

Balwant Wankhade, the MP from Amravati, has encouraged the students to return to school without fear. Meanwhile, school headmaster Sanjay Chowdhury said that efforts are underway to bring the female students back to school through counselling. According to him, some students have already returned.

The most significant aspect of this incident is how quickly fear and rumours can escalate into a major problem. In residential schools, in particular, the close of many students means that one person's fear or unusual experience can easily trigger panic among others.

Therefore, in such situations, it is essential to attend to the students' mental well-being alongside ensuring their safety. If any unusual behaviour is observed, the assistance of health professionals and counsellors should be sought immediately.