Nepal's errant crown prince

Crown Prince Paras (right) with his cousin and predecessor Dipendra

It was apparent at the coronation of Gyanendra, who took over as king after the palace massacre, that the Nepalese had reservations about their new monarch.

These were partly because of Paras Shah, King Gyanendra's son, who has earned a good deal of notoriety.

Many of those protesting against the coronation of Gyanendra shouted slogans denouncing Paras.

Facts about Paras

27 years old

Married with a daughter

Believed to have hit and killed a popular singer with his car

Alleged to have hit a policeman with the butt of a gun

Paras is now crown prince and heir to the throne.

Commentators have pointed out that he has not so far earned the respect of the Nepalese, many of who know him through his reputation as a trigger-happy drinker.

In the aftermath of the massacre of most of Nepal's royals, a variety of rumours as to what exactly happened and who was behind the killings are swirling about.

One of the most favoured rumours blames Paras for the killings.

The crown prince was in the room when the massacre took place, and escaped with slight injuries.

'Hit-and-run'

Paras is known to be prone to heavy drinking.

Much of the opposition to King Gyanendra is due to his son's reputation

At the end of last year, he is reported to have hit and killed a popular Nepalese singer with his car whilst under the influence of alcohol.

The case was widely reported in the press, and there were popular protests demanding action against Paras.

A petition signed by more than 600,000 people was submitted to the late King Birendra supporting the demand.

An investigation was carried out - but no action was taken against Paras.

The crown prince is also alleged to have hit a policeman with the butt of his automatic weapon after being stopped for drink-driving.

Reined in

Paras has maintained a very low profile since the death of the singer.

He appeared at a family function held when he became the father of a baby girl, and appeared at a public function in April 2001 to mark the Nepalese New Year.

The family have demanded that Paras rein in his alcohol consumption.

He is married to Himani Singh who belongs to a princely family in India's Rajasthan state.