Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Trust Orders Probe After Donation Theft Allegations Surface

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has ordered a formal inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities and donation theft concerning offerings at the Badrinath Dham shrine. The investigation follows public allegations made on Friday by a local organization known as the Bhairav Sena. The group alleged financial misappropriation and demanded a probe into the conduct of an individual they claimed was linked to the Temple Committee's senior leadership. BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi stated that the trust is taking the social media reports seriously and has initiated the formation of an internal inquiry committee.

CCTV Footage and Employee Questioning Underway

In response to the claims, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad confirmed that security officials have already reviewed available CCTV footage from the Badrinath Temple premises. According to Rangad, the available video footage lacks the necessary visual clarity to confirm any wrongdoing. However, given the highly sensitive nature of the allegations, formal explanations have been sought from the specific employees working in the areas under question. Ram Temple Donation Theft: Ayodhya Police Track SUV, Search for Hidden Cash and Valuables.

The proposed internal inquiry committee will conduct a detailed, fact-based probe, review physical and electronic evidence, and record statements from all involved parties.

Temple Leadership Responds to Misinformation

BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi clarified certain details circulating online regarding the staff involved. He refuted claims that the individual accused of misconduct served as his "personal secretary." Dwivedi explained that the staff member in question is a regular government employee of the BKTC who has previously served as a personal assistant under three former chairmen of the committee.

He emphasized that if any employee is found guilty of wrongdoing during the course of the investigation, strict administrative and statutory action will be taken under the provisions of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act of 1939 and corresponding employee conduct rules.

The Shadow of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Scam

The allegations at Badrinath arrive amid heightened public scrutiny and growing anxiety surrounding religious financial management in India. This swift administrative action follows closely on the heels of a massive donation theft exposed at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. ‘Extremely Pained’: RSS Breaks Silence on Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case (Watch Video).

In the Ayodhya case, police and internal audits revealed that staff members inside the high-security donation counting center were allegedly siphoning off between ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh daily from the temple offerings. The emergence of CCTV footage and the subsequent police crackdown in Ayodhya triggered widespread public outrage and placed immense pressure on major shrine boards across the country to secure their funds.

Because Badrinath Dham is a major pilgrimage site that draws millions of visitors annually, temple officials have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified claims while the formal investigation takes place. "Since this matter is directly linked to the faith of millions of devotees, people should refrain from making unsubstantiated or misleading allegations until the probe is complete," Rangad said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 12:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).