Chencho Dema

Punakha —Barely a few months after Paro Taktshang and Punakha Dzong entry fee embezzlement case involving police personnel came to light, four desuups managing entry fees at Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha have allegedly siphoned millions over a course of two years.

Following the investigation led by Royal Bhutan Police from Thimphu headquarters, the case was handed over to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on October 14.

The ACC confirmed that it has received the case and an investigation team is currently looking into it.

The four desuups were responsible for ticket sale and validation at Chimi Lhakhang.Two desuups served as ticket validators while the other two were stationed at the counter, issuing tickets to tourists.

The investigation, which began in September, uncovered extensive fraud involving the four desuups, who are between 22 and 45 years.

Although the exact amount embezzled by each individual is unclear, the total is believed to run into millions.

Sources revealed that multiple bank accounts were used in the transactions, which complicated efforts to ascertain the total embezzled amount.

Around Nu 25 million, accounting for 47 percent of the total fees collected between September 2022 and September 2024, was reportedly deposited into the government account. The rest is suspected to have been embezzled by the accused.

The four desuups used similar embezzlement tactics as observed in the corruption cases in Paro Taktsang and Punakha Dzong scandal.

When groups of tourists arrived to purchase tickets, the desuups permitted half of them to enter the Lhakhang without paying. The proceeds from these unpurchased tickets were then allegedly split among the four.

Following similar monument fee embezzlement cases in Paro and Punakha, the Punakha dzongkhag administration called for an investigation into Chimi Lhakhang case. Unlike Punakha Dzong and Paro Taktsang, police personnel were not stationed at Chimi Lhakhang to  verify ticket purchases.

Tourists visiting Chimi Lhakhang are required to pay an entry fee of Nu 500, which is collected at the base of the temple.

In March this year, Nu 7 million was collected from two monuments in Punakha- Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong.

Although the Punakha dzongkhag administrationstarted charging admission fees in 2017, formal fee collection began in 2020 following directives from the National Committe.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, fee collection resumed on September 23, 2022, with Bhutan reopening for tourism.

Tourists are required to pay entry fees at seven monument sites nationwide, including Taktsang and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, the National Memorial Choeten, Changangkha Lhakhang, and Tashichhodzong in Thimphu, along with Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.

Except for Paro Taktsang, the entry fee for these sites is Nu 500 for all foreign visitors. Students and youth between the age of 6 years and 18 years get 50 percent discount.

The introduction of entry fees for tourists visiting monument sites began from September 1, 2016 based on comprehensive consultations and approval accorded by the 113th Lhengye Zhungtshog (cabinet) held on September 6, 2016.

The fees are used for the conservation and maintenance of the cultural monuments.