Kathmandu: Priests at Nepal's most revered Hindu temple are under investigation for alleged financial irregularities after being accused of pocketing offerings from devotees, an official said on Friday.
A Parliamentary Committee was auditing the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu after allegations surfaced that Hindu priests have been stealing donations instead of using them for the temple's development and upkeep, said Committee Chairman, Chitra Bahadur Chettri.
Investigators visited the temple on Thursday and questioned the head priest, Chettri added.
Thousands of Hindus from Nepal and neighboring India visit the temple every year, offering money and jewelry believing it will provide good fortune in return.
Officials have made several attempts in the past to find out what was being done with the donations, but powerful priests have prevented any independent audits.
The priests were believed to be under the protection of Nepal's King Gyanendra, who was recently forced to give up his authoritarian rule and most of his powers after weeks of violent street protests.
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