After Ayodhya Ram Mandir theft row, donation irregularity claims rock Badrinath, BKTC orders probe

Fresh allegations of irregularities in temple donations have surfaced, this time at Uttarakhand’s Badrinath Dham, days after the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft in Ayodhya triggered a high-profile investigation.

Unlike Ram Mandir theft case, where the probe had begun weeks after scam, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has ordered an internal inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities linked to donations at Badrinath Temple. The BKTC order has come after claims regarding irregularities were circulating on social media.

However, the development comes as the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft high profile case in Ayodhya continues to make headlines, with investigators probing claims that the donations were siphoned off before reaching the temple trust’s accounts. The case has led to multiple arrests, allegations and counter allegations by the political leaders and widened investigations into the Ram Mandir cash-counting process.

Against this backdrop, the BKTC said it was taking the allegations at Badrinath seriously and would conduct a thorough probe. The BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi said an inquiry committee would be constituted to investigate the claims, while explanations have also been sought from the employees concerned.

The controversy began after an organisation named Bhairav Sena alleged financial irregularities in the handling of donations at Badrinath Dham. The group also demanded an impartial investigation into an alleged financial misappropriation case involving a government employee associated with the Temple Committee.

Dwivedi, however, rejected social media claims identifying the employee as his personal secretary. He clarified that the individual is a regular BKTC employee who has previously served as a personal assistant to three former chairpersons of the temple committee. He said strict action would be taken if the inquiry establishes any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said that the temple premises CCTV footage was examined after the allegations surfaced, but the available footage lacked the required clarity for verification. He said a proposal has been sent to the Chairman to formally constitute an internal inquiry committee, which will examine all available evidence and statements before submitting its findings.

Rangad added that if the investigation uncovers any irregularities, action will be initiated under the provisions of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and the applicable employee conduct rules. At the same time, he urged people to avoid spreading unverified claims, saying the issue concerns the faith of millions of devotees and should be handled responsibly.

The allegations at Badrinath have emerged at a time when the Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation theft investigation has intensified, putting the spotlight on transparency and accountability in the handling of donations at major religious institutions.