Amravati: Several tribal girls, who had left Doma Govt Tribal Ashramshala in Chikhaldara taluka fearing the place was haunted, are now ready to return to the school, according to Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS).As per MANS, a few days ago some students had reported symptoms they believed were linked to bhootbadha (possessed by a spirit). The rumours led to panic among other students, with some girls leaving the hostel and going back to their homes.A team from MANS conducted an on-ground assessment, counselling sessions and awareness drives to address the situation. MANS state executive members Nandini Jadhav from Pune, Praveen Deshmukh from Mumbai and Rambhau Dongare from Nagpur visited the ashramshala on Aug 10. They met the headmaster, teachers and staff to understand the sequence of events.Between Aug 11 and 13, the team travelled to tribal villages including Ektai, Chunakhedi, Pachdongri, Khadimal and Buteda to speak with the students and their parents. “After understanding cause of the fear, the students shared many positive things about the school,” said Praveen Deshmukh, MANS state executive member, and added, “Following three days of counselling, the students are now mentally prepared to return to school.” They said parents too are ready to send their daughters to school soon.MANS said initial panic started after a girl fell ill, leading to fears that she was ‘possessed.’ That fear then spread to other students. During conversations, some students mentioned they had recently watched a horror film, and the discussion around it had added to the anxiety, according to MANS.The committee noted that while watching such films is not a direct cause of superstition, repeated exposure to stories about ghosts and the supernatural can impact children who already have such beliefs. Separately, MANS said issue of a person called ‘bhumka’ or faith healer visiting the ashramshala has been reported to Chikhaldara police.
