About a month ago, Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod, two police officers living in the Indian city of Pune, were showered with praise for reaching the summit of Mount Everest. Now, the couple is facing accusations that they lied about the accomplishment.
About a month ago, Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod, two police officers living in the Indian city of Pune, were showered with praise for reaching the summit of Mount Everest, reports the Washington Post.
Now, the couple is facing accusations that they lied about the accomplishment and doctored the photos that show their moments of triumph, according to NDTV.
Those calling the duo's success into question include some mountain climbers who say there are some serious problems with the story.
Among them is the couple’s arrival at a key acclimation station, notes The Telegraph.
Based on eyewitness accounts, they did not show up there until May 10, which makes it highly unlikely they reached the summit on May 23, the date they say they did.
The attire the couple is wearing in their photos at the top is also under scrutiny, as it is markedly different than the garments they wear in previous pictures.
One seasoned climber noted the conditions on Everest prohibit making such clothing changes.
However, the person who arranged the climb says the Nepal Tourism Board questioned the couple about Everest’s peak, and verified that they had, in fact, been there.
According to The Telegraph, the complaints are being investigated by local police.