Badrinath – Uttarakhand Temple Probe May Expand to Include Darshan Irregularities
Badrinath – Authorities in Uttarakhand are facing renewed calls for a wider investigation after fresh allegations emerged regarding the management of Shri Badrinath Dham.
Amid the ongoing inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of offerings at Shri Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand, the Shri Badrish Panda Panchayat has appealed to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to broaden the scope of the investigation. The organization has requested that officials also examine accusations involving payments allegedly collected for special darshan and claims of unauthorized access to the temple premises.
Panchayat Seeks Wider Investigation
Representing the Tirth Purohits associated with the revered shrine, the Shri Badrish Panda Panchayat said the present inquiry should not be limited to the alleged financial irregularities involving temple offerings. It urged the state government to include complaints related to paid VIP-style darshan arrangements and violations of the temple’s established entry system.
The request comes as Badrinath Dham, one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, continues to attract public attention following allegations circulating on social media regarding irregularities in temple administration.
Letter Highlights Fresh Allegations
In a letter sent to the Chief Minister on July 17, the Panchayat alleged that certain individuals had been collecting money from devotees in exchange for arranging special darshan. According to the organization, such activities, if proven, undermine the sanctity of the shrine and the trust of pilgrims.
The letter also claimed that personnel from different departments were allowing people to enter the temple through Gate No. 2 without authorization. The Panchayat stated that these actions were creating disorder and bypassing the prescribed procedures meant to regulate the movement of visitors.
Appeal for Strict Legal Action
The Panchayat welcomed the government’s decision to investigate the alleged embezzlement of temple offerings and expressed hope that those responsible would face legal consequences if found guilty. It further requested that the inquiry committee examine the newly raised allegations so that every aspect of the reported irregularities could be investigated.
According to the organization, a broader and impartial investigation could reveal additional administrative lapses connected with the functioning of the shrine. It maintained that firm action against anyone found responsible would improve transparency in temple management while strengthening the confidence of devotees visiting Badrinath Dham.
The Panchayat also assured the government and investigating agencies of its full cooperation throughout the inquiry.
SIT Arrests Former Temple Official
Meanwhile, officials confirmed on Friday that the Special Investigation Team arrested former temple officer Rajendra Chauhan in connection with the alleged embezzlement of offerings. Investigators reportedly questioned him for nearly four hours before taking him into custody.
Authorities said Chauhan is considered one of the principal suspects in the case. He is scheduled to be produced before a court as the investigation into the alleged financial misconduct continues.
Inquiry Report Suggests Stronger Safeguards
The arrest followed the submission of an 18-page report by a four-member inquiry committee formed by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). The report recommended several measures intended to improve accountability, transparency, and security during the counting of offerings.
Among the key proposals were the introduction of a mandatory dress code for personnel involved in the counting process and the installation of CCTV cameras in uncovered locations as well as inside the counting centre to strengthen surveillance and monitoring.
BKTC Takes Administrative Action
Acting on the committee’s findings, the BKTC has suspended Pramod Nautiyal. An FIR had already been registered against him under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Nautiyal was serving as the personal assistant in the office of BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi at the time of the action.
The investigation into the alleged irregularities at Shri Badrinath Dham remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine financial records and administrative procedures while considering additional allegations raised by the Shri Badrish Panda Panchayat.