CIAA files graft case against two member secretaries of Pashupati

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a graft case against three people on the charge of embezzling Jalahari while installing the ornament in the sanctum of holy Pashupatinath Temple.

A case has been filed at the special court against Dr Pradip Dhakal, then member-secretary of Pashupati Area Development Trust, Dr. Milan Kumar Thapa, then treasurer and incumbent member secretary and storekeeper of the trust Arun Kumar Shrestha, according to BHola Dahal, spokesperson of the CIAA.

The CIAA has accused Shrestha of misappropriating the gold used for sanctum while working as a store keeper, contrary to his responsibility to protect the fund’s property.

The Authority has also concluded that the gold (1491.718 grams) worth Rs 11 million, 701 thousand 7 hundred 81 rupees and 85 paisa were embezzled while constructing the Jalahari.

CIAA spokesperson Bhola Dahal has said that the investigation has confirmed Dhakal and Thapa’s direct involvement in gold embezzlement.

Then Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli had decided to install gold Jalahari in Pashupatinath Temple, following which the Jalahari was installed in the presence of then President Bidya Devi Bhandari amidst a special function.