The BKTC, a statutory body responsible for managing Badrinath Temple and other shrines in Uttarakhand, suspended employee Pramod Nautiyal following initial findings that pointed towards prima facie irregularities. Nautiyal was serving as a private secretary within the temple committee.
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi confirmed the suspension and stated that the organisation follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. He added that strict departmental and legal action would be taken against any employee found guilty during the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has constituted a separate three-member inquiry committee on the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The committee will be headed by the Garhwal Division Commissioner and has been directed to submit its investigation report along with recommendations to the government within 15 days.
The allegations gained attention after claims of irregularities during the counting of offerings at Badrinath Dham surfaced on social media. Following this, an organisation named Bhairav Sena submitted a complaint demanding an inquiry and registration of a First Information Report.
In response to the complaint, the BKTC constituted a four-member panel last week to examine the matter. The committee comprises Finance Controller Hem Kandpal, Legal Officer SS Bartwal, Chief Administrative Officer Rajan Naithani, and Kedarnath Senior Administrative Officer DS Bhujwan.
The investigation team has started examining CCTV footage, statements of concerned employees, and other relevant documents to determine the facts of the case.
The controversy has emerged amid similar allegations of theft of offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, prompting criticism from the Congress against the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government. Uttarakhand Congress President Ganesh Godiyal has demanded either a judicial inquiry or an investigation by a joint committee of the Legislative Assembly into the entire matter.
The suspension of a BKTC employee and parallel government inquiry have intensified scrutiny over the management of temple donations, with authorities maintaining that accountability and transparency will be ensured if any wrongdoing is established.
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