Hathras Tragedy: Class 2 Boy Killed in Human Sacrifice — A Psychiatrist’s Perspective

Tragedy has struck Hathras once again. This time, in the form of an unimaginable horror — the alleged human sacrifice of a Class 2 student at a local school, all in the name of the institution’s ‘prosperity.’ The young boy was found murdered at the hostel on September 23, and since then, the story has been unraveling in chilling detail. The police have arrested five individuals, including the principal of the school, on charges of murder linked to ritual sacrifice.

When you hear about something so extreme, so disturbing, it’s hard not to feel a mix of disbelief and disgust. But from a psychiatrist’s perspective, we must also ask: What leads people to commit such acts?

Let’s take a closer look.

Symptoms of Ritualistic Delusion and Mass Psychosis

While the specifics of this particular case are still emerging, human sacrifice and ritual killings often share some common psychological and social characteristics. The symptoms can manifest both in individuals and in groups, reflecting a collective descent into irrational beliefs. Here are a few major signs we often see:

1. Delusions of Grandeur

Believing that performing an extreme act, such as sacrificing a human being, will bring prosperity or divine favor. This symptom is often present in individuals suffering from severe mental disorders like schizophrenia or certain types of psychosis.

2. Paranoia

The perpetrators may experience intense fear of some external or supernatural force, which drives them to “take action” to protect themselves or their institution. This paranoia can create a sense of urgency to commit the act.

3. Dissociative States

In cases like these, some individuals may enter dissociative states where they feel disconnected from reality. The heinous act may seem distant or surreal to them, making it easier to justify or carry out.

4. Groupthink and Mass Hysteria

When more than one person is involved, we often see symptoms of groupthink — where rational decision-making is overridden by the desire to conform to the group’s beliefs. This can lead to collective delusion and mass hysteria, where group members feed off each other’s fears and irrationalities.

Etiology: Why Do These Things Happen?

The roots of such incidents are deep, often drawing from multiple sources. Some of the common etiological factors include:

1. Cultural Superstitions

India, particularly rural parts like Hathras, has long been steeped in superstitions. Beliefs in black magic, witchcraft, and human sacrifice are not as uncommon as we’d like to believe. There’s a deep-rooted cultural belief that such acts can bring about material gain, prosperity, or even protection from evil forces.

2. Psychological Disorders

It’s important to note that while superstition plays a big role, so does mental illness. Disorders like delusional disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, or severe personality disorders can distort reality, pushing people to act on their irrational beliefs.

3. Social Isolation and Pressure

Many of these events occur in communities where people are disconnected from mainstream education and mental health resources. Social isolation, coupled with pressure to meet societal expectations (like the school needing prosperity), can make individuals more vulnerable to extreme measures.

4. Religious Fanaticism

In some cases, religious or cult-like thinking pushes people into a corner where they believe that sacrificing an innocent will please a deity or some cosmic force. The belief becomes an obsession, and they lose touch with basic human morality.

Epidemiology: How Common Are These Incidents?

It’s horrifying to admit, but human sacrifices are not completely unheard of, especially in rural India. While exact data is scarce, cases of ritual killings have been reported in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha.

Studies estimate that over 50 cases of human sacrifice were recorded in India between 2014 and 2020 alone. These numbers reflect only reported cases, which means the actual count might be higher.

These incidents tend to cluster in areas where superstition and lack of education intersect. Lower socioeconomic status, limited access to healthcare, and deeply entrenched beliefs all increase the risk of such tragedies occurring.

History: The Dark Legacy of Human Sacrifice

Human sacrifice isn’t a new phenomenon, unfortunately. Historically, it has been present in various cultures around the world, from the Aztecs to certain religious sects in medieval India. Sacrifices were believed to please gods, spirits, or ancestors, bringing prosperity and success in war, farming, or trade.

In modern India, cases of human sacrifice tend to be linked to black magic, where victims — often children — are believed to be “offerings” to gain supernatural benefits.

Pathogenesis: The Breakdown That Leads to Murder

So how does someone go from being a regular person to committing such an unspeakable act? The pathogenesis often involves a mix of factors:

1. Psychological Breakdown

In cases of mental illness, the individual may start experiencing delusions or hallucinations that dictate their actions. Over time, their grip on reality loosens, and they believe that their violent act is not only justified but necessary.

2. Cognitive Dissonance

The person may initially feel conflicted about the sacrifice but justifies it by believing in the greater “good” it will bring. This reduces the psychological discomfort they feel about harming an innocent.

3. Social Reinforcement

When multiple people are involved, as in the Hathras case, the group dynamic plays a huge role. Each individual’s sense of responsibility is diffused among the group, making it easier for them to go through with the act. They also reinforce each other’s beliefs, creating a bubble of irrationality.

4. Dehumanization of the Victim

To commit such a heinous act, the victim must be dehumanized. In the minds of the perpetrators, the child becomes not a person, but a tool for their own gain — a ‘sacrifice,’ rather than an innocent life.

Personal Reflections

As a psychiatrist, it’s hard not to feel a wave of helplessness when incidents like these come to light. I’ve treated individuals with severe delusions, some who believed in extreme religious or superstitious acts, and I always wonder if there’s more we can do to educate people, to provide mental health resources, or simply to listen before things spiral out of control.

It’s easy to blame mental illness or superstition, but we must also look inward as a society. Why do such beliefs still persist? Why is there so little access to mental healthcare in rural areas? These are questions we must tackle if we hope to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about mental health issues or violent behavior.

References:

· India Today. (2023, September 24). Hathras shocker: Class 2 boy killed in human sacrifice for UP school’s ‘prosperity’; principal among 5 arrested. India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/story/hathras-class-2-boy-killed-human-sacrifice-school-prosperity-principal-arrested-2440261-2023-09-24

· The Times of India. (2023, September 24). Human sacrifice in UP’s Hathras: School principal among 5 held for killing Class 2 student for ‘prosperity’. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hathras-up-human-sacrifice-class-2-student-principal-5-held/articleshow/24401002.cms

· Hindustan Times. (2023, September 25). UP: Hathras education board orders closure of school where Class 2 boy was killed in alleged human sacrifice. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/hathras-school-closed-class-2-boy-human-sacrifice-101689720883738.html

· Ranjan, P., & Chopra, S. (2016). Superstitious beliefs and mental health in rural India. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 38(6), 515–519. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.194908

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