The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has established a four-member inquiry panel to investigate allegations of irregularities in the management of pilgrims' offerings and donations at Badrinath Dham, following a social media storm that has sparked political controversy in Uttarakhand.
Formation of the Inquiry Panel
BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad announced on Sunday that Chairman Hemant Dwivedi constituted the panel to ensure an impartial investigation. The committee has been directed to examine all available evidence, including CCTV footage, statements from individuals involved, and other relevant materials, and submit its report within seven days.
Rangad stated that the BKTC took cognisance of the allegations that went viral on social media on July 2. CCTV footage from the temple premises was reviewed, but the available footage was not entirely clear, he noted.
Political Reactions and Protests
The issue has triggered a political controversy, coming close on the heels of similar allegations regarding offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. State Congress President Ganesh Godiyal described the allegations as serious and targeted the Uttarakhand government led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
“Followers of the Sanatan faith have been hurt by allegations of corruption—first at the Ram Temple and now at Badrinath Dham,” Godiyal said, demanding stringent action against those found guilty. On Saturday, Godiyal and Congress workers held a silent protest at the Bagnath Temple complex in Bageshwar against the alleged irregularities at both temples.
Clarification and Next Steps
Earlier on Friday, BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi clarified that an employee being portrayed on social media as his “private secretary” was actually a regular government employee of the temple committee. Dwivedi assured that strict action would be taken if the allegations were proven true during the inquiry.
Rangad added that if anyone is found guilty in the inquiry committee's report, strict departmental and legal action will be initiated under the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and applicable employee conduct rules. He appealed to devotees and the public not to circulate unverified or misleading information until the inquiry is completed, emphasizing that the matter concerns one of the country's holiest pilgrimage sites and the faith of millions of devotees.
