Nearly 600 tribal students left a government-run residential school hostel in Maharashtra’s Amravati district after rumours spread that some girls were “possessed”. Officials have now clarified that the reported incidents were linked to psychological stress and not any supernatural phenomenon. The school in Doma village, Chikhaldara taluka, houses around 810 boys and girls and is operated by the Tribal Development Department.

The incident began on July 22 when a few female students reportedly started crying and laughing uncontrollably, causing concern among other students and staff. A mental health team from Amravati District General Hospital subsequently visited the school and examined the affected students. During the assessment, symptoms including persistent crying, fear, sadness, memory difficulties and physical pain were observed in six girls.

Medical examinations indicated that the affected students were experiencing Dissociative Conversion Disorder, a condition in which psychological stress can result in involuntary physical or neurological symptoms. Officials said the condition was not connected to supernatural causes. A medical report identified academic pressure, mental stress and the influence of surrounding events as possible contributing factors in the students’ symptoms.

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The incident led to rumours about the hostel being “haunted”, prompting nearly 600 students to leave the premises. Authorities have appealed to students and parents not to believe or spread such claims. The affected students are currently receiving treatment, while their parents have also been provided counselling to help them understand the situation and support their children.

Additional Commissioner (Tribal Development) Sandeep Golait urged people not to pay attention to rumours and said authorities were working to restore confidence among the students. Senior members of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, an organisation that works against superstition, also visited the school and counselled students. Officials are coordinating with the organisation, school administration and principal to address concerns.

Authorities are aiming to bring all students back to the school within the next eight days and resume normal academic activities. Amravati MP Balwant Wankhade also appealed to the students not to be afraid and encouraged them to return to classes. Officials said continued counselling and mental health support would remain important as students and families adjust after the incident.

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