'Badrinath Dham Donation Irregularities': Hindu Organisation Demands Judicial Probe, Temple Body Says Accusers Lack Proof

Dehradun: Controversies have surfaced over the misappropriation of the offerings of devotees at Badrinath Dham, which has led to a call for an urgent investigation into the matter from a Hindu organisation. Reacting to the allegation, the committee managing the temple has asked not to draw hasty conclusions as it is already being investigated.

Bhairav Sena, a Hindu organisation, has raised serious concerns regarding alleged financial misconduct involving donations at the temple of Badrinath. The issue has been termed as disgraceful and a blow to millions of devotees, as the Hindu outfit called for the establishment of an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court.

However, a significant detail that has emerged in this matter is that the accusing organisation itself has admitted to possessing no direct evidence or CCTV footage related to the alleged irregularities. At a press conference, Bhairav ​​Sena raised serious questions regarding alleged irregularities involving offerings at Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham.

The organisation alleged that if the accusations regarding the offerings prove true, it would not merely be a financial crime but a direct blow to the faith of millions of devotees.

Bhairav ​​Sena has demanded the constitution of an independent, high-level inquiry committee—headed by a retired Supreme Court judge—to investigate the entire matter. The organisation asserted that, given the sensitivity of the issue, a departmental inquiry alone cannot be considered sufficient.

Furthermore, the organisation has demanded the immediate filing of an FIR against those implicated in the alleged financial embezzlement and theft, as well as their removal from office.

"If the administration and the temple committee fail to ensure strict administrative and legal action promptly, the organisation will be compelled to launch a mass movement. Protests will be staged everywhere, from the temple premises to the streets,” Anil Kumar, district president, Bhairav ​​Sena, said.

Meanwhile, Sandeep Khatri, the founding president of Bhairav ​​Sena, said that if satisfactory action is not taken within a week, protests would be held outside the residence and office of cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj. Bhairav ​​Sena maintained that only a fair investigation into the matter can uphold the faith of the devotees.

Responding to Bhairav ​​Sena's allegations, Sohan Rangad, chief executive officer of the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC), said that the committee is taking the matter seriously and initiated necessary action immediately upon receiving the complaint. According to him, the committee received the complaint on July 2, and orders for an investigation were issued the very next day, July 3.

"A committee comprising senior and experienced officials—including veteran office-bearers serving in various locations—has been constituted for the inquiry. The committee has been instructed to conduct an impartial investigation into the entire matter and submit its report. A minimum period of seven days has been allocated for the inquiry, and preliminary findings are expected to emerge by July 10,” Rangad added.

Rangad, however, maintained that the mere levelling of allegations does not justify the need for a high-level or judicial inquiry. “There must be some concrete basis or preliminary evidence,” he said. He clarified that if the complainant possesses valid proof, it should be submitted to the temple committee so that it can be incorporated into the investigation. He further mentioned that the employees accused have been removed from their respective posts with immediate effect, and notices have been issued to all individuals falling within the scope of the inquiry.

According to the temple committee, it would be inappropriate to declare anyone guilty or innocent before the investigation concludes. The CEO also noted that, in addition to older CCTV cameras, high-resolution cameras have recently been installed at the location where the alleged irregularities took place. The footage from these cameras has been preserved, and if any wrongdoing occurred, the facts will come to light during the investigation. Due to modern surveillance systems, any irregularity cannot remain concealed for long, the authorities said.

"Questions are also being raised by some individuals regarding the services and appointment process of the person accused of irregularities concerning the temple offerings. This is a separate matter and will be addressed independently. For now, the temple committee's primary priority is to investigate the allegations of misconduct related to the offerings. Should any complaints or facts regarding services or appointments emerge, that aspect will also be investigated separately in accordance with the rules,” Rangad pointed out. The temple committee CEO stated that documents or other evidence related to the matter should be submitted to the committee to ensure the investigation is more effective and fact-based.

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