Amid allegations of irregularities in the offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, similar allegations have now surfaced regarding Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand. Following this allegation, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has ordered an investigation.
According to a BKTC official, an organization based in Dehradun called Bhairav Sena has alleged that an employee posted at Badrinath Dham has been mishandling donation and offering funds. Although the organization has not presented any concrete evidence to support these allegations, the committee has initiated an investigation considering the sensitivity of the matter. Employees involved in counting donation funds have also been asked to provide explanations.
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that the committee has taken these allegations seriously. He said, "This matter is connected to the faith of millions of devotees, so instructions have been issued to constitute a committee for an impartial investigation into the allegations."
He also clarified that the investigation report will be made public.If any employee is found to be involved, strict legal and departmental action will be taken against them.
Meanwhile, claims also surfaced on social media alleging that the BKTC chairman's personal assistant was involved in the alleged embezzlement. Responding to this, Hemant Dwivedi said, "I do not have a personal secretary. The person whose name is being mentioned is a regular BKTC employee and has previously served as the personal secretary to three chairmen. If the allegations are found to be true during the investigation, action will also be taken against him in accordance with the rules."
BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangar said that CCTV footage from cameras installed in the Badrinath temple complex was reviewed on Friday, but no concrete irregularities have been found so far.
He said that if any evidence of financial misconduct or violation of rules is found during the investigation, legal and departmental action will be taken against the concerned individuals under the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and the employee conduct rules.
