Nepal investigates couple's Everest summit claim

Nepal's mountaineering authorities are investigating a claim made by a couple who are accused of altering photographs of themselves on the summit of Mount Everest.

See also: Tallest mountain in the world isn't Everest, experts realise

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Department of Tourism chief Sudarshan Dhakal said authorities are reviewing the Everest climb made by and his wife Tarakeshwari, both from India, in May.

They were issued with climbing certificates from the Nepal government after they presented a photograph of themselves on the 29,035ft summit.

The couple, who are both police officers from Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra, had also claimed they were the first Indian couple to scale Everest.

But fellow climbers say the couple never reached the summit and used someone else's photographs to earn their climbing certificates.
Satyarup Siddhanta added a new photo. – Satyarup Siddhanta Facebook

Another Indian climber, Satyarup Siddhanta from Bangalore, said it was his photograph, above, that the couple altered to make it appear they were on the summit.

In a Facebook post referencing the accusations, Siddhanta said: "This is so so so amazing!!!!!!!! They took my pics and photoshopped their image of summit... And got certificates too... Where is mountaineering going?????"
Moloyda and me ... :) look at the link – Satyarup Siddhanta Facebook

If the accusation is found to be true, the couple would lose their certificates and be banned from climbing any mountains in Nepal.

During the busy climbing season this year, which follows two years of disasters on the mountain, 456 people scaled Everest.

Last year's season was scrapped after 19 climbers were killed and 61 injured by an avalanche at the base camp triggered by a massive earthquake. In 2014, an avalanche at the Khumbu Icefall killed 16 Sherpa guides.