Haldwani: A sudden scream by a Class 10 student during an examination sparked panic at a girls’ school in Haldwani after rumours spread that a “ghost” had appeared on the campus.
The incident took place at Lalit Arya Girls Inter College in Banbhoolpura on Monday, when students were writing their unit tests.
One scream sparks panic
According to school staff, a Class 10 student suddenly began screaming during the examination. The incident frightened other students, with several reportedly crying and running across the school campus.
Teachers and staff immediately tried to calm the students and contacted their parents. Several students were subsequently sent home as the situation caused widespread fear.
School spokesperson Neelam said the incident had created panic among students, while staff worked to reassure them.
Student was reportedly unwell
Sources said the student had attended an overnight religious event at home before coming to school and had already been feeling unwell.
The school administration later said the “ghost” rumours were based on a misunderstanding and there was no evidence of anything supernatural happening on the premises.
Attendance drops after rumour
The incident continued to affect attendance the following day. Only around 300 of the school’s 800 students attended classes on Tuesday, compared with the usual attendance of around 700 students.
In-charge principal Nirmala Sharma said parents had remained supportive after learning about the student’s condition.
She said the situation was caused by a misunderstanding and appealed for calm among students and parents.
The school has continued to reassure students that there was no paranormal incident and that the panic followed the sudden health-related episode during the examination.