608 students flee the hostel in the Doma Tribal Ashram School amid rumors of ghosts and Supernatural activity.
Officials said the episode unfolded more than a week ago, when 16 students suddenly began crying, laughing and then going numb. Some students said they heard ghungroos. Officials said the rumours spread from hostel corridors to the village. Doctors noted it was due to stress and anxiety which caused mass psychogenic illness.
Tribal development dept officials said the episode exposed long-standing management lapses at the school, including overcrowded rooms, poor food quality and lack of sanitation. Officials cited absence of counselling and a delayed response after the first case of distress, which they said allowed fear to spread.