The former ward chairman's behaviour the gaubashtis family had set the example. Some used scythes and razor blades to slash themselves, while others strangled themselves with lengths of rope. As the mahem unfolded, they found all sorts of ways to kill including bashing others to death with rocks and sticks. Men bashed their wives and parents bashed their children. Young people killed the elderly, and the strong killed the weak. What they all felt in common was the belief that they were doing this out of love and compassion.