Laughing, Crying, Then Silence: 'Ghost' Scare Empties Amravati School, 608 Flee

More than 600 students reportedly left a government-run ashram school in Doma village in Maharashtra’s Amravati district after rumours of a ghost on the campus triggered panic among students.

The school is located in the tribal-dominated Melghat region. The incident reportedly began when around 16 girl students suddenly started laughing uncontrollably, crying and later appeared to become numb, causing fear among other students.

Some students reportedly claimed to have heard the sound of anklets or ghungroos in empty corridors. The claims quickly spread among the students, leading to rumours that the school was haunted. As panic grew, around 608 students reportedly left the school and returned to their homes.

Medical Teams Rule Out ‘Ghost’ Claims

Following the incident, medical teams and senior officials visited the school to assess the situation. Officials have reportedly ruled out any supernatural explanation. Authorities believe the students may have experienced severe stress and anxiety, possibly resulting in what is medically known as mass psychogenic illness, also referred to as mass hysteria.

Officials have appealed to students and parents not to believe or spread rumours about ghosts or supernatural activity.

16 Girls Counselled By Psychologist

Amravati Superintendent of Police Niketan Kadam said all 16 girls involved in the incident have been counselled by a psychologist. According to the SP, all the girls are now fine and are expected to return to school soon.

To help the students feel safe, a woman police constable will stay at the school. Kadam also said he would stay at the school as part of efforts to reassure the students and their parents.

‘Supernatural Film’ Angle Emerged

According to sources the students had watched the film together before the incident. Police and officials are also examining various stories and rumours circulating about the school that may have contributed to the panic.

Authorities are now focusing on counselling the students, stopping the spread of rumours and restoring confidence among the children and their parents.