Indian police couple banned by Nepal for lying about summiting Everest

The Nepalese government has decided to impose a 10-year ban on two Pune police constables – Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod – who had apparently lied about climbing Mount Everest. The Rathod couple are also at the centre of a probe ordered by the Pune police, after the department received complaints by a group of mountaineers who accused them of faking it. But even as the internal inquiry is yet to be completed, the Nepalese government’s decision may force the police to take immediate action.

Pune police commissioner Rashmi Shukla told the Indian Express that the Nepalese government’s probe “has confirmed the two had lied about scaling Everest” and that through their actions, “the couple have tarnished the image not only of police force but of the whole country”. Shukla also revealed that since the Pune police initiated their probe, the couple have been absconding. Police officials have said that the two could face disciplinary action like demotion or suspension of monetary benefits. It is, however, unlikely that they will be arrested.

The Rathods claimed to have reached the summit on May 23, 2016 and were celebrated for becoming the first Indian couple to accomplish the feat together. But doubts about their story were raised by mountaineers, who alleged that the couple morphed pictures of their climb.