Now Badrinath-Kedarnath rocked by donations theft claim, trust orders probe
Now Badrinath-Kedarnath rocked by donations theft claim, trust orders probe
M.U.H
04/07/202619
With the controversy around the embezzlement of donations at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple getting murkier by the day, now the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has launched an inquiry into claims of alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at Shri Badrinath Dham after accusations circulating on social media triggered widespread attention.
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said the committee has ordered the constitution of an inquiry panel to conduct an impartial, fact-based investigation into the matter, while explanations have been sought from the employees concerned. He said strict action would be taken under the rules if any employee is found guilty after the probe.
The allegations, which have gone viral on social media over the past few days, relate to the alleged mishandling of offerings and donations received at the temple.
Taking cognisance of the claims, the committee said it had initiated action within 24 hours and was treating the issue with utmost seriousness, considering the faith millions of devotees repose in the shrine.
In a video message, Dwivedi said, "Regarding the news and allegations circulating on social media concerning the alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Dham, I wish to state that the Temple Committee has taken this matter very seriously".
"Notices – specifically show-cause notices – have already been issued by our Chief Executive Officer to all employees and officials involved in the counting process".
COMPLAINT BY HINDU GROUP MEMBER
The matter came to light after a complaint letter sent by Sandeep Khatri, the founding president of the Hindu organisation Bhairav Sena, to Sohan Singh Rangad, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BKTC.
The letter, sent on July 3, claimed that the sender had received information regarding an alleged theft during the counting of offerings at Badrinath Dham.
The complaint claimed that the alleged personal secretary of the BKTC Chairman had pilfered from the offerings. It also demanded the registration of an FIR and an impartial investigation into the entire matter.
According to temple committee documents, one Pramod Nautiyal’s name was included as a member of the 'Thali' (offering plate) counting committee in a roster issued on April 9, 2026, by the then CEO, Vishal Mishra.
Reportedly, Pramod Nautiyal has been working as a personal assistant since 2014—starting during the tenure of the then Chairman Ganesh Godiyal—and has continued in the same role under subsequent chairmen.
HOW ARE OFFERINGS COUNTED?
According to sources within the temple committee, the counting of offerings at Badrinath Dham follows a prescribed procedure.
Announcements are made as the donation bags are opened. Bank employees, temple committee officials, protocol officers, and other authorised members are present during this process.
The entire counting operation is conducted according to established rules to ensure transparency.
The complaint claims that the alleged incident was captured on CCTV cameras during the counting of offerings around 8.30 am on July 2. However, there has been no official confirmation of this claim so far.
'NO LINKS WITH ACCUSED'
Dwivedi also rejected claims circulating online linking the accused employee to him personally.
"I also wish to clarify a point regarding claims circulating on social media about the 'Chairman's personal secretary.' I want to make it clear that I do not have a personal secretary; all these individuals are Temple Committee employees. The person being referred to as the 'personal secretary' is actually a regular employee of the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee," he said.
BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said CCTV footage from the temple premises was reviewed after the alleged complaint surfaced, although the available footage lacked sufficient clarity.
He said explanations had been sought from the concerned employees, while a proposal to formally constitute an internal inquiry committee had been placed before the Chairman.
According to the committee, the inquiry panel will examine all available evidence, relevant records and statements before submitting its findings.
If the investigation establishes any irregularities, legal and departmental action will be initiated under the provisions of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and the applicable employee conduct rules.
Rangad also appealed for restraint, saying the allegations should not be treated as established facts until the inquiry is completed, given the religious significance of Shri Badrinath Dham and the sentiments of millions of devotees.
TEMPLE BODY ISSUED WARNING
The development comes just a day after BKTC issued fresh directions tightening oversight of donations, offerings and other revenue sources across all temples under its administration.
The July 2 order instructed officials at donation counting centres, treasury sections, accounts branches, guest houses and puja counters to maintain complete transparency and accurate records while warning that any negligence or financial irregularity would invite strict disciplinary action.
EYES ON PROBE BY TEMPLE COMMITTEE
The entire matter is currently under investigation. The BKTC has stated that the inquiry committee will submit its report based on all available evidence, documents, CCTV footage, and statements from the concerned parties.
Only after the report is released will the veracity of the allegations and the subsequent course of action become clear.
With the inquiry now underway, the BKTC has said the findings will be made public once the investigation is complete, and any employee found responsible for wrongdoing will face strict action in accordance with the law and committee rules.
