Barely has the controversy over alleged misuse of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple faded from headlines nationwide, allegations of similar financial irregularities have now surfaced at the revered Badrinath Dham, triggering fresh concern. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has taken serious note of rumours and allegations circulating on social media regarding misuse of temple funds and has ordered a high-level internal inquiry to ascertain the facts in this sensitive matter tied to devotees’ sentiments.
Responding to the issue, BKTC president Hemant Dwivedi said that, in view of the allegations spreading on social media, it had been decided to set up an inquiry committee in the interest of complete transparency. He stated that officials have been directed to submit full details and reports on employees who were on duty at the time the allegations arose.
The controversy began after a local organisation called ‘Bhairava Sena’ publicly alleged that large-scale financial irregularities had taken place at the Badrinath temple. The organisation specifically claimed that the personal assistant (PA) of the temple committee chairman had a direct link to the misuse of funds and demanded an impartial probe into the matter. Clarifying the claims, President Hemant Dwivedi said the individual being circulated on social media as his personal secretary was, in fact, only a regular BKTC employee. He added that the employee had earlier served under three former chairmen as well, and that the committee would get to the bottom of the facts behind the allegations against him.
Meanwhile, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said a preliminary inquiry was launched as soon as the allegations surfaced. He explained that while CCTV cameras on the temple premises were examined, the footage was not clear enough to establish complete details. Given that the matter concerns the faith of crores of devotees, he said a report had been immediately submitted to the chairman for further action.
On the chairman’s directions, the CEO said an internal committee is being set up to question the concerned employees and conduct a thorough investigation. He warned that if anyone is found guilty of wrongdoing or fund misappropriation, strict legal and departmental action would follow under the BKTC Act, 1939, and the employee conduct rules. The temple committee appealed to devotees not to believe unsubstantiated allegations and misleading social media campaigns that undermine the sanctity of Badrinath Dham.