Days after Ayodhya row, theft of donations and offerings alleged at Badrinath temple

DEHARDUN: A social organisation has alleged theft of donations and offerings at Badrinath temple, prompting the Badri Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC), which administers the shrine, to order a probe into the matter. The allegation comes days after a controversy over alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and a day after BKTC directed officials to ensure stricter monitoring and transparency in the handling of offerings at Badrinath, Kedarnath and 47 other temples under its jurisdiction in Garhwal.In a letter to BKTC CEO Sohan Singh Rangar on Friday, an NGO, Bhairav Sena Sangathan, alleged that a BKTC employee, described by the organisation as the personal secretary to BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi, was involved in theft of donations and offerings at Badrinath temple. The organisation’s founding member, Sandeep Khatri, claimed the alleged irregularities had earlier been brought to the chairman’s notice and urged the committee to examine CCTV footage to verify the allegations.Taking note of the complaint, Dwivedi ordered a probe into the matter. He, however, clarified that the employee being referred to on social media is not his personal secretary. “The concerned employee is a regular employee of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee and has earlier worked as a personal assistant to three chairpersons of the committee. If the allegations being circulated on social media are found to be true, strict action will be taken as per rules,” Dwivedi said.Rangar said CCTV footage from the Badrinath temple premises was examined on Friday following the complaint. “The available footage does not have the expected clarity. However, given the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, the chairman has been informed and clarification is being sought from the employees concerned,” he said.He added that a probe panel will be constituted to conduct a detailed inquiry based on available evidence and statements of those involved. “If any irregularity comes to light during the inquiry, legal and departmental action will be taken under the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and the applicable service rules,” Rangar said.He further told TOI that Badrinath and Kedarnath temples have received around Rs 70 crore in donations during the ongoing Char Dham yatra. He said BKTC also earns revenue from its guest houses. “On average, annual donations range between Rs 50 crore and Rs 80 crore. The amount depends on pilgrim turnout, weather conditions and natural disasters,” he said.Rangar added that donations are counted by a team of four to five BKTC employees in the presence of bank staff. “Devotees who wish to volunteer in the counting process are also allowed to participate after verification of their identity documents. Once the counting is completed, the donations are handed over to bank employees, who count them again,” he said.Stay updated with the latest Dehradun news. Download the TOI App.