Those found guilty in Pashupati Dharmashala 'scam' will be booked: Minister Ale

KATHMANDU, Jan 16: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale vowed to take legal action against those found guilty of illegal dealings in the leasing of the Nepal Bharat Pashupati Maitri Dharmashala guest house at Gaushala being operated by the Batas Group.

After carrying out monitoring and inspection of the Dharmashala on Sunday Minister Ale said those involved in illegal works including constructions would be brought to book.

"I have carried out the inspection and monitoring of the Dharmashala. A committee formed to probe into the alleged irregularities is also submitting its report tomorrow [Monday]. Action would be taken against all the wrongdoers as per the law."

The ministry on January 7 constituted a probe panel under the convenorship of Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) Treasurer Narayan Prasad Subedi.

Minister Ale told journalists after the inspection and monitoring of the facility that he was 'shocked' to find that the Dharmashala was like a seven-star hotel. 

On the occasion, he had inspected the ordinary to deluxe rooms in the Dharmashala. He said he was more surprised to find materials required for the construction of the bathtub to the gym hall kept there.