Jharkhand: Three 8th Grade Girls Expelled from Hostel over ‘Black Magic’ Allegations; Investigation Finds No Evidence

---

Latehar, Jharkhand: A controversy has erupted at the Eklavya Model Residential School in Barwadih block of Latehar district after three 8th-grade girls were expelled over allegations of practicing black magic and occult activities. The girls’ families have strongly denied the claims.

Allegations of ‘Black Magic’ in Hostel and Teachers’ Rooms

The school management alleged that the girls were involved in occult rituals, black magic, and superstitious activities near the hostel and outside female teachers’ rooms during the night. Two of the girls were reportedly from Mangra and one from Kachanpur. Based on these claims, the principal called the girls’ parents and instructed them to withdraw the students from the school, despite the absence of any concrete evidence.

Child Protection Unit Initially Denied Entry

Following the incident, the families approached the Child Protection Unit (CPU) for investigation. However, when Ruby Kumari, a member of the CPU, arrived with the parents on Monday, she was initially denied entry to the school. Only after intervention by senior officials was the CPU allowed inside to conduct the investigation.

Investigation Finds Allegations Baseless

After a thorough investigation, Ruby Kumari confirmed that there was no evidence to support the claims of black magic. She termed the incident as an unfortunate action and highlighted that such treatment of students in a residential school is deeply concerning. The CPU has submitted the investigation report to the department for further action.