Bihar ex-MLA booked on charge of spreading rumour on earthquake

A former two-time MLA in Bihar has been booked for allegedly spreading rumour about earthquake through WhatsApp, social messaging app, a senior police officer said today. "The case has been registered against Dayanand Rai, the former MLA from Narpatganj in Araria district, with Sachivalay police station in this regard," Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna Jitendra Rana told PTI.

The SSP said that the case was registered under section 505 of IPC (statements conducting to public mischief) on Saturday night on the basis of complaint of Station House Officer of Sachivalay police station. The two-term RJD MLA from 1990 to 2000 has been made an accused of spreading rumour through WhatsApp message that predicated high-intensity earthquake returning on last Saturday night.

The SHO said in his complaint he saw people rushing towards a park on Saturday night, hours after Patna and other parts of Bihar along with Nepal witnessed a massive earthquake of 7.99 magnitude. On inquiry about circulation of message from the people,name of the former legislator cropped up.

The SHO said he had a talk with the ex-MLA who is presently in Delhi for his medical treatment. When he returns, the police would question him and take his statement on the issue, the SHO said.