Police on Thursday evening arrested two people on the charges of spreading rumors that another earthquake is going to hit the Kathmandu valley. A large number of people were out in the streets and open spaces as the rumor that an earthquake was likely at around 4 to 7 pm in the evening spread across the Valley. Police identified the arrestees as Rajendra Khadki of Lalitpur and Hira Bahadur Thapa of Dolakha. Khadki, who had earlier jailed on theft charges, was arrested from Patan. Thapa was arrested from Thamel.

Senior Superintendent of Police Narayan Singh Khadka, who is also the spokesperson at the Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s Office in Ranipokhari, said Khadki was on the drug while he was shouting around the Pulchok area saying that a new earthquake is going to hit the Valley. Khadki was also thrashed by locals for creating panic before he was arrested by Lalitpur police, SSP Khadka said.

Similarly, Thapa who was under the influence of alcohol was also telling people about the possible earthquake in the Thamel area. He was arrested following complaints from local residents. SSP Khadka said the duo will be booked on a public offense charge for inciting panic among the public.