The Badrinath Temple administration has ordered an internal inquiry after allegations surfaced on social media claiming that donations and offerings made by devotees at the shrine were misappropriated by a temple employee. The controversy erupted when Kaal Bhairav Sena president Sanjeev Khatri alleged that an employee associated with the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) tampered with devotees' offerings.
Allegations and Social Media Uproar
Khatri claimed the alleged incident took place between 8 am and 8.30 am and demanded that CCTV footage from the temple premises be made public. The allegations have since gone viral on social media, prompting the temple trust to take immediate action. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khatri stated, "Kaal Bhairav Sena president Sanjeev Khatri has alleged that BKTC chairman's personal assistant stole donations from Badrinath Temple. The theft occurred between 8.00-8.30 am, and CCTV footage from that time should be made public."
BKTC Chairman Responds
Responding to the claims, BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said an internal inquiry committee is being constituted to investigate the matter. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against any employee found guilty after the probe. Dwivedi also rejected claims circulating online that the accused was serving as his personal secretary. He clarified that the individual is a regular employee of the temple committee and has previously worked as a personal assistant to three former BKTC chairpersons.
CEO Reviews CCTV Footage
Meanwhile, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said CCTV footage from the temple premises had been examined following the allegations. However, he noted that the available footage did not provide sufficient clarity to verify the claims. According to the CEO, the committee has sought explanations from the employees concerned, and the internal inquiry panel will examine all available evidence, CCTV footage, relevant documents, and statements before submitting its report.
Appeal for Restraint
The temple committee has appealed to the public not to spread unverified or misleading information until the investigation is completed. It said the matter concerns the faith of millions of devotees associated with the world-renowned Badrinath shrine, and no conclusions should be drawn before the facts are established. The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many demanding transparency and accountability in the management of temple funds.
