Tarakeshwari and Dinesh Rathod, both serving as constables in the Pune police force, had claimed to become the first Indian couple to scale Mount Everest together on May 23, 2016. In a press conference on June 5, the couple told reporters that they’d put off having a child until they scaled the highest peak in the world. “With pride now, we want to become parents,” Dinesh said. The couple’s inspirational story was celebrated widely.

But doubts are now being cast over whether the couple actually scaled Everest after some mountaineering organisations filed a complaint, forcing Pune police to order a probe into the matter. One of the complainants alleged that the couple had morphed pictures and lied about reaching the summit, even though other mountaineers who were at the expedition between May 19 and May 24 never saw them go beyond the base camp. Further evidence of the couple lying, according to the complainants, is the fact that they are seen wearing different kits in their photographs. This would be impossible had the couple really reached the summit as the risk of frostbite prevents mountaineers from changing their kits.

Standing in support of the couple is Mohan Lamsal, chief of the Makalu Adventure, which organised the trip. He corroborated the couple’s story, saying that they did reach the summit on May 23. Dinesh Rathod, meanwhile, contends that he has submitted certificates received from the Nepal government, along with other proofs to the Pune police.