New Delhi: The Uttarakhand government has ordered a high level inquiry into alleged irregularities in the handling of donations at the revered Badrinath Temple. The decision follows directions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has suspended one of its employees and registered an FIR in connection with the case.
The state government has constituted a three member committee to investigate the allegations and recommend measures to improve transparency and accountability in the temple’s donation management system. The panel will be headed by Anand Swaroop, with Sandeep Tiwari and Jagat Singh Chauhan serving as members.
The committee has been given the authority to seek assistance from financial experts and government officials during the investigation. Along with examining the alleged irregularities, it will recommend reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, efficiency and accountability in the management of donations received at the shrine.
Separately, the BKTC has suspended Pramod Nautiyal, a personal assistant in the chairman’s office, with immediate effect and lodged an FIR against him. Officials said the action was taken to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
The controversy began after allegations surfaced that cash offerings made by devotees may have been diverted before being officially deposited in the temple’s donation boxes or treasury. Authorities are yet to confirm the extent of any financial loss, and the inquiry will determine whether any irregularities occurred and identify those responsible.
As part of the investigation, officials are reviewing CCTV footage from the temple premises, examining donation records and scrutinising cash handling procedures. The probe will also assess the existing system for collecting, counting and accounting for donations.
The Badrinath Temple, one of the four sacred shrines of the Char Dham Yatra, attracts lakhs of devotees every year and receives substantial offerings. The government has said the inquiry aims not only to establish the facts but also to close any systemic gaps and reinforce public confidence in the management of temple funds.
