The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has ordered an internal inquiry into allegations of financial misappropriation involving donations at Badrinath Dham after claims surfaced on social media.
BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi said the temple committee has taken the allegations seriously and directed the formation of an inquiry committee to examine the matter. Explanations have also been sought from the employees concerned.
The allegations were raised by an organisation called Bhairav Sena, which claimed there were financial irregularities linked to a Temple Committee employee. The organisation demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the matter.
Dwivedi, however, clarified that social media reports identifying the employee as his personal secretary were incorrect. He said the individual is a regular government employee of the BKTC who has previously served as a personal assistant to former chairpersons of the committee.
BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said CCTV footage from the temple premises was reviewed after the allegations surfaced, but the available footage lacked sufficient clarity to establish any findings.
He said a proposal to constitute an internal inquiry committee has been submitted to the Chairman. Once formed, the panel will examine all available evidence, record statements from those concerned and submit its findings.
The Temple Committee has assured that if any employee is found guilty after the investigation, strict legal and departmental action will be taken under the provisions of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and the applicable service rules.
Appealing to the public, the BKTC urged people not to spread unverified or misleading information, stressing that the issue is linked to the faith of millions of devotees and should be handled responsibly.
