Kathmandu, January 12
Batas Organization, a business group that has been dragged into multiple controversies of late, has claimed its businesses at the Pashupati dharmashala and Narayanhiti Palace Museum are legal and it is ready to face action if anything is found illegal.
Issuing a statement on Wednesday, the group’s president Ananda Raj Batas also complains the media did not seek his views about the issues.
Recently, it has been reported that the organisation has been running a hotel at a dharmashala built by the government of India for the needy pilgrims visiting Pashupatinath.
In addition, BPS Leasing and Management, a company in the group, has been found to have signed an agreement with the Narayanhiti Palace Museum and Republic Memorial Management and Operation Committee, to operate a restaurant at the museum premises.
The government halted the implementation of the agreement as media and stakeholders protested the deal arguing it would result in damages at the heritage site and the agreed rate is peanuts.
