Nepal investigates controversial 104-kg gold offering by Ex-PM KP Oli

The authenticity of a substantial gold offering made by former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to Kathmandu's revered Pashupatinath Temple is under investigation.

KP Oli, who has openly declared himself as an atheist, donated a generous amount of 104 kg of gold in February 2021. However, opposition leaders criticized Oli at the time, claiming that his gesture was a mere attempt to appease the Hindu population ahead of the general elections.

The Commission of Inquiry into Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has initiated a probe into the gold offering, prompting the removal of a jalari (a decorative cover) from the temple to examine its gold content. Reports indicate that the Pashupatinath Temple trust replaced the previous silver jalari with the gold one on Oli's instructions.

A total of Rs 80 crore (approximately $11 million), including Rs 50 crore purchased from Nepal's Central Bank and Rs 30 crore released from the state treasury, was allocated for the purchase of the gold. Several reports suggest that the jalari, purportedly made of 104 kg of gold, contains only 7 kg of the precious metal, while the remaining materials used are silver and copper. These claims prompted the anti-corruption body of Nepal to take action based on complaints and these reports.

The issue has caused a stir in the Nepal Parliament, with Oli defending himself by stating that it was not his responsibility as the prime minister to verify the quality of the gold. Meanwhile, a separate incident has come to light, as approximately 10 kg of gold ornaments have reportedly gone missing from the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

Ghanshyam Khatiwada, executive director of the Pashupati Kshetra Vikas Trust, has assured that an ongoing investigation is underway to identify the culprits responsible for the missing gold.