The doomsday rumours of December 21 have generated fears in the heart of many and have even affected several others psychologically.
Chinese authorities have therefore detained 93 people accused of spreading the rumours and also arrested a man who slashed 23 children at a school after he was “psychologically affected” by such predictions, the Xinhua state news agency reported on Monday.
According to the reports, the 93 people, from seven provinces detained include members of the banned “Almighty God” cult, adding that they were detained for “handing out leaflets about the apocalypse and spreading rumours”.
“These cult members recently latched on to the Mayan doomsday scenario to predict the sun will not shine and electricity will not work for three days beginning on December 21,” Xinhua said, citing the public security bureau of Xining, capital of the south western province of Qinghai.
Xinhua also reported that police in Henan province arrested a man, identified as Min Yongjun, after he slashed 23 children at an elementary school and an adult at her home near the school.
“Initial police investigation found Min, a long-term epilepsy sufferer, had been strongly psychologically affected by rumors of the upcoming end of the world predicted by ancient prophecy,” Xinhua said.
Xinhua added that Min was arrested on a charge of suspicion of jeopardizing public security.
