The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has ordered an internal inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the counting of offerings at Badrinath Dham. The move came after a complaint claimed that theft may have taken place during the counting of donations, prompting the committee to examine available records, CCTV footage and statements of concerned employees.
Complaint Raised After Social Media Claims
The matter came to light after Kamalnayan Siloṛi, a journalist associated with India Today, died. According to the report, Bhairav Sena founder president Sandeep Khatri wrote to BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad on July 3, claiming that he had received information about alleged theft during the counting of offerings at Badrinath Dham.
The complaint alleged that a person described on social media as the private secretary of the BKTC president was involved in the alleged irregularities. Bhairav Sena sought an FIR and an impartial inquiry into the matter.
Committee Says Inquiry Will Be Impartial
BKTC president Hemant Dwivedi took cognisance of the complaint and the allegations circulating on social media and ordered an internal inquiry. The committee said the probe would be conducted on the basis of available evidence, documents, CCTV footage and statements of related parties.
Dwivedi said strict departmental action would be taken if any employee’s role is found during the inquiry. He also clarified that the person being described on social media as his private secretary is not his secretary, but a regular temple committee employee working as an assistant.
CCTV Footage Under Review
According to temple committee sources, counting of offerings at Badrinath Dham follows a fixed procedure. Officials from the bank, temple committee officers, protocol officials and other authorised members are present during the opening of donation bags and counting of offerings.
Complainants claimed that the alleged incident took place around 8.30 am on July 2 and was recorded on CCTV. BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said available CCTV footage had been examined, but no clear image was visible. He said clarifications were being taken from concerned employees and that a conclusion would be reached only after a detailed investigation.
