Pashupati temple is open, CIAA investigating into the missing gold from ornament

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), a high level anti-graft body has started investigation into the issue of 103 kg Gold ornament installed at the Pashupatinath Temple. A team of officials accompanied by security personnel on Sunday took control of the temple premises and acquired detailed information about the ornament also known as ‘Jalahari’ installed around the Shiv Linga of the temple that weigh around 103 kg during last year on the occasion of Mahashivaratri.

Now the temple has been opened for the general public since early Monday morning. It was closed on Sunday afternoon for carrying out investigation into the gold ornament. After receiving information that the Jalahari, installed at the temple weighs less than the actual claim, the CIAA started probe.

“We are investigating into the matter and we are not sure how long will it take to complete,” said Bhola Dahal, spokesperson at the CIAA. “We cannot say anything about the ornament until and unless the investigation is complete,” he pointed out. According to Dahal, the investigation has been kept secret for the time being. The CIAA has been measuring the weight and determining the quality of the ornament with the help of experts.

After receiving complain that 10 kg of gold was missing from the ornament, the CIAA started the probe in the matter. The Pashupati Area Development Trust has claimed that the ornament consists of 103 kg gold and 5 kg other metals weighing a total of 108 kg. Authorities at the PADT declined to make any comment in the matter when contacted.