Donations at Badrinath Temple are under formal scrutiny after the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee suspended a staffer from the chairman’s office, intensifying questions over how offerings are handled. The move, paired with a state-ordered high-level probe, signals tighter oversight at one of Uttarakhand’s most visited shrines.
Why the action matters now
The suspension follows complaints about irregularities in the counting of offerings at Badrinath Dham. A social organisation, Bhairav Sena, had sought an inquiry and an FIR, alleging theft of donations and urging authorities to examine CCTV footage.
The controversy surfaces days after separate allegations around donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, heightening public sensitivity.
Immediate suspension and safeguards
According to committee orders, the staffer, identified as Pramod Nautiyal, received a show-cause notice on July 3. A four-member inquiry committee reviewed his explanation and a preliminary report purportedly substantiated the allegations prima facie.
To prevent interference in the probe, Nautiyal has been attached to the BKTC office in Joshimath in Chamoli. He cannot leave the headquarters without prior approval and must fully cooperate with the proceedings, a government communication said.
Inside the committee probes
BKTC officials said the internal inquiry is examining CCTV footage, staff statements and relevant records before submitting its findings. The panel comprises Finance Controller Hem Kandpal, Legal Officer SS Bartwal, Chief Administrative Officer Rajan Naithani and Kedarnath Senior Administrative Officer DS Bhujwan.
The committee had been directed to submit its findings within seven days. BKTC has also sought responses from employees involved in donation counting.
State-level oversight
Separately, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered a high-level inquiry into complaints related to donations at Badrinath Temple. The government constituted a three-member committee headed by Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Anand Swaroop, with Sandeep Tiwari, Managing Director of the National Health Mission, and Jagat Singh Chauhan, Director (Finance) in the office of the Director General, Medical and Health Department.
As per an order by Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, this panel will examine irregularities in the collection of donations and offerings, and submit its report with recommendations to the state within 15 days.
What officials are saying
BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said the suspension was necessary to ensure no tampering occurs during the investigation. He noted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and said strict departmental and legal action would follow if any employee is found guilty.
Amid questions over the recent replacement of CCTV cameras, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said the change was routine. He added that complete records from old digital video recorders have been preserved for the inquiry.
Politics, process and public trust
The allegations have triggered political responses. Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal demanded either a judicial inquiry or an investigation by a joint committee of the state Legislative Assembly, saying the issue had hurt devotees’ sentiments.
BKTC described the counting system as structured, involving committee staff, bank officials and verified volunteers before funds are deposited. The committee also appealed to devotees not to circulate unverified information while the inquiries are underway.
BKTC is a statutory body managing the Badrinath Temple along with 44 other shrines, schools and dharamshalas across Uttarakhand. The current scrutiny, officials said, aims to reinforce transparency rather than disrupt religious services.
Here is what to watch for next:
– Internal committee submits its final report within seven days
– State panel files recommendations within 15 days
– Disciplinary action if guilt is established
– Possible legal steps following inquiry findings
The outcome will shape how one of North India’s busiest pilgrimage centres documents, counts and banks donations this season. For now, investigators are focused on the counting centre where the suspended staffer had been placed, as BKTC assesses the extent of any misappropriation.
