Friday, July 29 2005 14:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: With the death of two more persons, the toll in the last night's (July 28, 2005) stampede incident at a suburban slum, has risen to 18 even as 17 persons were arrested today (July 29, 2005) for rumour-mongering, leading to the commotion in Nehrunagar and Subhashnagar in north-west Mumbai.

"Seventeen persons have been arrested in two incidents of rumour-mongering in Nehrunagar last night (July 28, 2005). We will take strictest action against rumour-mongers if such incidents come into light in future," city Police Commissioner, A N Roy, told PTI here.

Rumours of a reservoir burst and Tsunami scare lead to the stampede in which 16 people, including six children and seven women, died last night (July 28, 2005).

Terming yesterday's (July 28, 2005) incident as a serious one, Roy stressed on stopping people from spreading rumours that may lead to casualties.

Police sources said that of the 17 arrested, six persons were travelling in a car and found spreading rumours in Subhashnagar slums and it is suspected that they were a bunch of thieves planning to loot houses after residents fled homes.

Meanwhile, two more persons have died today (July 29, 2005) taking the toll to 18, the sources said adding, of the other injured, two are in critical condition.

Maharashtra Home Minister, R R Patil, has warned of stern action against people spreading rumours.

In some other parts of the city, residents bashed up a few persons who were spreading rumours.