By Bhaktibilash Pokharel, Gaighat, Apr. 19: The police have prepared travel history of 16 people who had been hiding in a mosque at Triyuga Municipality-3 of Udayapur district, out of which 13 people including 12 Indians tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the preliminary travel history, it has been found that the COVID-19 patients had been staying in various mosques of Morang, Sunsari, Saptari and Udayapur for the last four four months.

Udayapur Health Office, Gaighat, informed that 69 swabs were collected in the first phase among 600 people of 53 families belonging to Muslim Community at Bhukle of Triyuga Municipality-3.

As per the preliminary travel history prepared by the police on the basis of train tickets, other documents and statements given by COVID-19 patients, it has been established that the 12 Indians had entered Nepal four months ago via Biratnagar, a city that borders with India.

They had reached Jogbani on December 10 from Delhi by railways, informed the police.

After entering Nepal, they had in the beginning stayed in Biratnagar-based mosque 10 for around four weeks and then they shifted to a Morang-based mosque and stayed there for 35 days.

Then they stayed in Duhawi and Bhokrahal mosques for around six weeks and afterwards they stayed in four mosques of Saptari for three weeks.

“They had reached the mosque at Suwahi, Chaudandigadi Municipality-5 on March 8,” said Dipak Kumar Pahadi, Chief District Officer of Udayapur.

After staying in Siwahi for seven days, they went to Jhulke mosque on March 14.

After obtaining the travel history, three mosques of Saptakoshi Municipality, Saptari and a mosque of Kanchanpur Municipality at Baramjhiya have been sealed and the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) is being conducted on full swing.

Ananda Thakur, assistant CDO of Saptari district, said that samples of 74 people were collected on Saturday itself.