Badrinath: Prompted by recent controversy over Ram temple donations in Ayodhya, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) on Friday launched a formal probe into claims that offerings at Badrinath Dham were misappropriated, PTI reported.
BKTC president Hemant Dwivedi said the committee has taken allegations circulating on social media seriously and “has ordered the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the matter.” He added that “explanations have also been sought from the employees concerned.”
Dwivedi also rejected a social-media post that identified a particular staff member as his “personal secretary,” clarifying that the person is not his private aide but “a regular government employee of the BKTC.”
He warned that if the inquiry establishes wrongdoing, “no guilty party will be spared, and strict action will be taken.”
BKTC chief executive officer Sohan Singh Rangad said the probe panel will compile its findings using available evidence, CCTV recordings and statements from those involved. “The inquiry committee will submit its report based on available evidence, CCTV footage and statements from the parties concerned,” Rangad said.
Rangad added that any confirmed irregularities would lead to both legal and departmental measures under the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and applicable employee conduct rules. He appealed to the public to avoid sharing “any unverified or misleading allegations until the investigation is concluded.”
Tightened Controls At Temples
In addition to ordering the investigation, the BKTC has issued tighter controls over handling donations, offerings and other income across its temples, as reported by Mint.
In an order dated 2 July 2026, Rangad directed heightened vigilance by staff at donation and offering counting centres, accounts branches, treasury sections, guest houses and puja counters at Badrinath, Kedarnath and all other BKTC-managed shrines.
The directive has been sent to the Temple Committee chairman and circulated to officers responsible for Badrinath and Kedarnath, the Thali Bhent in-charge, accountants, treasurers, and the managers and caretakers of all guest houses for necessary compliance.
