Following allegations of misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, similar claims have now surfaced at Uttarakhand’s revered Badrinath Dham, prompting the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) to order an internal inquiry on Friday.
BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi said the committee has taken the allegations circulating on social media seriously and has initiated the process of constituting an inquiry panel to examine the claims. Explanations have also been sought from the employees named in connection with the matter.
The controversy erupted after an organisation called Bhairav Sena alleged financial irregularities in the handling of offerings at Badrinath Dham. The group also demanded an impartial investigation into an alleged case of financial misconduct involving a staff member who was described on social media as the Temple Committee Chairman’s personal assistant.
Dwivedi, however, dismissed reports identifying the employee as his “personal secretary.” He clarified that the individual is a regular government employee attached to the BKTC and has earlier served as a personal assistant to three previous Chairmen of the Temple Committee.
Reiterating the committee’s commitment to transparency, Dwivedi said that if the inquiry establishes any wrongdoing, stringent action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law.
BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad also confirmed that the allegations were reviewed after they gained traction online. He said CCTV footage from the Badrinath Temple premises was examined, but the available recordings lacked the clarity required to verify the claims.
Given the sensitivity of the issue and the faith reposed by millions of devotees, Rangad said the Chairman was immediately informed of the developments. Acting on his directions, explanations have been sought from the concerned employees, while a proposal to constitute an internal inquiry committee has been forwarded for approval.
Once formed, the committee will conduct a comprehensive investigation by examining all available evidence, relevant documents, CCTV footage, and statements of the parties involved before submitting its findings.
Rangad added that if the probe uncovers any financial irregularities or misconduct, appropriate statutory and departmental action will be initiated under the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and the applicable employee conduct rules.
At the same time, the CEO appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified or misleading claims, stressing that the issue concerns the religious sentiments of millions of devotees and should be handled responsibly.
