Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has ordered an inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities involving offerings at Badrinath Dham.

The step has been taken in response to claims that have been doing rounds on social media regarding misappropriation of money collected at the shrine located in Himalaya.

Also Read | India’s 5th-driest June triggers drought monitoring across states

BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi told reporters on Friday that the temple committee has taken the issue seriously and has started investigating it.

Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee issues inquiry and explanation on the matter

Commenting on the matter, Hemant Dwivedi said that an inquiry panel would be constituted to investigate the allegations made against the committee.

“Explanations have been sought from the employees concerned,” Hemant Dwivedi said.

This was done following allegations raised by an organization called Bhairav Sena for a thorough investigation of the alleged financial irregularities committed by a certain staff member at the temple management.

However, Hemant Dwivedi denied allegations made in social media that the employee is his secretary.

“He is not my personal secretary but a regular employee of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee and has previously served as a personal assistant to three former chairpersons,” Dwivedi clarified.

CCTV footage reviewed, probe committee proposed

BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said temple authorities had reviewed CCTV footage from the Badrinath Temple premises following the allegations.

“The available footage does not have the required clarity. However, considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, the Chairman has been informed about the entire issue,” Rangad said.

He added that, following the chairman’s instructions, explanations had been sought from the concerned employees and a proposal had been submitted to constitute an internal inquiry committee.

Article Image
ZOOM IMAGE
Members of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) inspect Badrinath Dham Temple premises/ ANI

“Once formed, the committee will conduct a detailed investigation based on available evidence, facts and statements of the concerned parties and submit its report,” Rangad said.

According to the CEO, any employee found guilty after the investigation would face statutory and departmental action under the provisions of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and the applicable employee conduct rules.

Temple committee urges restraint

The BKTC also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information, noting that the matter concerns the religious sentiments of millions of devotees.

Also Read | From IDDIS to anti-aircraft guns, Army strengthens Amarnath security

“The issue is linked to the faith of crores of devotees. People should refrain from making unsubstantiated or misleading allegations,” Rangad said.

The inquiry comes at a time when allegations of financial irregularities involving religious institutions have drawn significant public attention following the ongoing investigation into alleged donation misappropriation at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

FAQs

Why has the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee ordered an inquiry?

The BKTC ordered an inquiry after allegations of financial irregularities involving donations at Badrinath Dham surfaced on social media.

Has any employee been found guilty so far?

No. The temple committee has only initiated an inquiry and sought explanations from the employees concerned. No findings have been announced yet.