More than 600 students reportedly fled a government-run ashram school in Doma village in Maharashtra’s Amravati district after rumours of a ‘ghost’ on the campus triggered widespread panic. The incident, which involved 16 girl students displaying unusual behaviour, has now been attributed by authorities to stress and anxiety rather than any supernatural activity.

The school is located in the tribal-dominated Melghat region of Amravati. According to officials, the situation began when around 16 girls suddenly started laughing uncontrollably, crying and later appearing numb or unresponsive. The unusual episode alarmed other students, with rumours of paranormal activity quickly spreading across the campus.

As fear intensified, several students reportedly claimed they had heard the sound of anklets or ghungroos coming from empty corridors. The claims fuelled speculation that the school was haunted. The panic eventually prompted around 608 students to leave the school and return to their homes.

Medical Teams Rule Out Supernatural Cause

Following the incident, medical teams and senior officials visited the Doma ashram school to assess the students and determine what had triggered the episode.

Authorities have reportedly ruled out any supernatural explanation. Officials believe the incident could be linked to severe stress and anxiety among the students, potentially resulting in mass psychogenic illness (MPI), a condition in which physical or behavioural symptoms can spread among a group without an identifiable infectious or toxic cause.

The phenomenon is also commonly described as mass hysteria, although medical professionals generally prefer the term mass psychogenic illness.

Officials have appealed to students and parents to avoid believing or spreading rumours about ghosts and paranormal activity at the school. Authorities are also attempting to prevent further panic and restore a sense of safety among the students.

16 Girls Receive Psychological Counselling

Amravati Superintendent of Police Niketan Kadam said the 16 girls who displayed the unusual symptoms have been examined and counselled by a psychologist.

According to the SP, the girls are now fine and are expected to return to the school. Counselling is being used to address their fears and anxiety and help prevent similar incidents from triggering further panic among students.

As part of efforts to reassure students and their families, a woman police constable will remain at the school. Kadam has also indicated that he would stay at the premises as part of the administration’s efforts to restore confidence.

The presence of police personnel is intended to reassure students who may still be frightened by the rumours surrounding the incident.

‘Supernatural Film’ Angle Under Investigation

Police and officials are also examining factors that may have contributed to the students’ fears. According to sources, the students had watched a supernatural-themed film together before the incident.

Officials are looking into whether the film, combined with existing rumours and stories about the school, may have heightened anxiety and contributed to the unusual episode.

The administration is now focusing on student counselling, psychological support and awareness to prevent rumours from spreading further.

The Amravati school incident highlights how fear and anxiety can rapidly spread among groups, particularly when unusual symptoms are accompanied by rumours of supernatural activity. Authorities are therefore urging students, parents and school staff to rely on medical assessments and verified information rather than rumours.

For now, officials are working to ensure that the 608 students who left the campus feel confident about returning, while continuing counselling and safety measures at the government ashram school in Doma village.