Nepal: Lawmakers demand parliamentary probe in "Jalahari" Scandal

Jun 26, 2023

Kathmandu (Nepal), June 26 (ANI): Nepali lawmakers has demanded a parliamentary probe into the alleged corruption claims made while making and installing the "Jalahari" in the main temple complex of Pashupatinath Temple. Speaking in the special time of the parliamentary meeting on Monday, Nepali Congress lawmaker Pradip Paudel demanded a parliamentary probe into the case after the anti-graft agency weighed the golden base of Shiva Ling made of gold in the year 2021. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday took out the "Jalahari" from the Pashupatinath Temple complex for examination after corruption claims. The probe was initiated on Sunday by CIAA in assistance of Nepal Police, Pashupati Area Development Trust, Nepal Gold and Silver Traders Federation and elected representatives. The Office of the Auditor General’s (OAG) 59th annual report had also raised questions about the Jalahari. The report had not raised questions about the structure with 96.822 kilograms of gold but pointed out that details have not been submitted to prove that the said 10.976 kilograms of gold was used in the ring put around the Jalahari.