doha • A widely-circulated SMS text message created a certain degree of panic among people here yesterday. Panic gripped the public as mobile text messages flew thick warning massive flooding of Aids virus-injected watermelons in the market.

The message from unidentified quarters said that over one million melons, injected with Aids virus, have been smuggled into Qatar through Al Shamal road. The SMS message continued to pour in till late evening.

The Ministry of Interior swung into action. Their investigations with various agencies proved the rumours baseless. After confirming the message was the handiwork of either an individual or a group of miscreants, the Ministry of Interior issued a statement to allay the fears of the public.

“During the past 24 hours there was a circulation of rumour through SMS text messages saying one million melons injected with AIDS virus have been smuggled into Qatar through Al Shamal road. The Ministry of Interior confirms what have been stated in the SMS messages is false and did not come from any official source. We think there is no justification for the circulation of this SMS or cause of worry because of this false rumour”, the statement issued to media said.

The Ministry also flashed its statement through SMS texts to the immediately available mobile numbers. The Ministry sources told The Peninsula: “We have confirmed that the message is baseless and a deliberate attempt to create panic among public. The message spread from an unidentified source. We are on the hunt for the miscreants”.

Medical experts scotched the rumours saying Aids virus cannot survive in environs as claimed in the SMS text. “The survival of Aids virus in a watermelon is impossible. It can survive only at a specific temperature maintained in human blood, saliva etc,” said a doctor, working with a leading clinic.Also, market sources revealed that the panic message did not have its impact on the sales of melons.