Investigation – Badrinath Temple Probe May Expand to Include Darshan Irregularities
Investigation – Authorities investigating alleged financial irregularities at Shri Badrinath Dham may now examine additional complaints related to paid special darshan and unauthorised temple access after a formal request from representatives of the shrine’s traditional priests.
The ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of offerings at Shri Badrinath Dham has taken a wider turn after the Shri Badrish Panda Panchayat appealed to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to broaden the scope of the enquiry. The organisation, representing the temple’s Tirth Purohits, has urged the government to include allegations involving payments for special darshan and violations of established entry procedures within the temple complex. The Panchayat believes that a wider investigation would help address concerns affecting the shrine’s administration and reinforce public confidence among devotees.
Priests Seek Wider Examination of Complaints
In a letter sent to the Chief Minister on July 17, the Panda Panchayat welcomed the government’s action regarding the alleged embezzlement of temple offerings. At the same time, it requested that investigators also examine reports claiming that some individuals were accepting money from pilgrims in return for arranging preferential access to the temple.
The organisation maintained that any person found responsible for such practices should face legal action if the allegations are confirmed. According to the Panchayat, addressing these concerns alongside the existing financial investigation would help ensure greater accountability within the temple’s management system.
Concerns Raised Over Temple Entry Procedures
Apart from the allegations linked to special darshan, the Panchayat also highlighted concerns over unauthorised entry through Gate No. 2 of the shrine. It alleged that employees from different departments had been allowing visitors to enter through restricted access points, resulting in disruptions and departures from established procedures.
The letter requested that the enquiry committee examine these claims carefully and include them within the ongoing investigation. The Panchayat argued that tackling every form of irregularity together would contribute to improving transparency and maintaining orderly temple operations.
Investigation Continues Amid Public Attention
The issue has attracted considerable attention in recent weeks after claims regarding irregularities in the handling of offerings circulated on social media. The developments have also come at a time when another high-profile investigation into alleged donation-related irregularities at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has remained in the national spotlight.
The Panda Panchayat stated that an impartial and comprehensive investigation could reveal whether additional administrative lapses exist within the functioning of the shrine. It also expressed confidence that a fair inquiry would strengthen the trust of devotees visiting one of the country’s most revered pilgrimage destinations.
Panchayat Extends Support to Investigating Agencies
The priests’ body said it supports the steps already taken by the Uttarakhand government and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the offerings case. It also assured authorities that it would fully cooperate with investigators throughout the enquiry to help establish the facts.
The Panchayat emphasised that preserving transparency in temple administration remains essential for protecting the faith of millions of pilgrims who visit Shri Badrinath Dham every year.
Former Temple Officer Arrested by SIT
Meanwhile, officials confirmed that the Special Investigation Team has 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. He is expected to be produced before the court as legal proceedings continue.
His arrest followed the submission of an 18-page report by a four-member enquiry committee constituted by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). The panel recommended several reforms aimed at improving transparency and strengthening security during the counting of offerings.
Among its recommendations were the introduction of a mandatory dress code for personnel involved in the counting process and the installation of additional CCTV cameras in uncovered sections and inside the counting centre to improve surveillance.
Acting on the committee’s findings, the BKTC has also suspended Pramod Nautiyal. An FIR had already been registered against him under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Nautiyal had been serving as the personal assistant in the office of BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi as the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities continues.