Badrinath Temple Committee Launches Probe into Donation Theft Allegations

The Shri Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has ordered an inquiry into allegations of misappropriation of offerings and donations at the Shri Badrinath Dham temple, following claims made by a Dehradun-based group on social media.

According to a BKTC official, the group Bhairav Sena alleged that an employee at the temple was embezzling donation money and offerings. The official stated that no evidence was provided by the group, but the committee decided to take the matter seriously due to its sensitive nature.

BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said, 'BKTC has taken the allegations very seriously. Since it is a very sensitive matter associated with the sentiments and faith of crores of people, an order has been issued to constitute a committee to probe the allegations.'

The committee has also sought responses from employees responsible for counting donations. Sources indicate that five CCTV cameras are installed in the room where donation money is counted by BKTC employees.

Shri Badrinath Dham is one of the four sacred Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand, drawing millions of pilgrims each year. Donations from devotees are a significant source of income for temple operations and charitable activities. The BKTC manages both Badrinath and Kedarnath temples under the supervision of the Uttarakhand government.

The inquiry committee is expected to submit its report within a stipulated timeframe, though no deadline has been announced. The BKTC has called for transparency and urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims on social media.