Death rumour traumatises family

Dhangadi, August 26

Thirteen-year-old Chetan Bhatta of Bhimdatta Municipality had been participating in demonstrations against the rape and murder of Nirmala Panta in Kanchanpur. His mother Punam had consented to his participation in the protests.

After personnel of Nepal Police opened fire at the demonstrators in front of District Traffic Police Office of Bhimdattanagar last Friday, rumours of Chetan’s death in police firing went viral in social media.

The rumours prompted a huge crowd to throng at Chetan’s house to console the mother. Overwhelmed with condolences from relatives and strangers alike, Puman had nearly fainted. When Punam reached Mahendranagar-based Mahakali Zonal Hospital, she found her son alive, with a bandaged arm. She was relieved as the rumours were baseless.

Chetan is currently undergoing treatment at the health facility under his mother’s care.