False prediction causes panic in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Nepal, June 25 (UPI) -- Charges of disturbing the peace have been filed in Nepal against a self-styled holy man who caused a panic by predicting a massive earthquake.

Bishweshwor Chaudhari had his followers distribute thousands of pamphlets warning that 300,000 people would die in a quake in South Asia on June 22, The Times of London reported Monday.

His prophesy caused such alarm that the Nepalese government and council of astrologers had to issue formal denials.

When the day came and went without a tremor, angry residents stormed his house and demanded that Chaudhari be punished.

A former builder, Chaudhari moved to Nepal three years ago and set himself up as a holy man, The Times reported.

The predominantly Hindu nation, one of the poorest in the world, has many holy men who earn money by making prophesies, delivering blessings and selling questionable remedies, the newspaper said.