After Ayodhya row, BKTC launches probe into Badrinath donations
Amid the Ram Mandir donation controversy, allegations have been levelled regarding irregularities in donations made to Badrinath Dham. Following allegations of embezzlement of donations, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has ordered the formation of a committee to probe the allegations while stressing that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Congress Vice President Suryakant Dhasmana has demanded that the alleged irregularities in Badrinath donations be probed under the supervision of a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
The Uttarakhand Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat has also expressed concern at the allegations levelled regarding the donations, stating that this will affect the BKTC’s image. Recently, an outfit named Bhairav Sena wrote a letter to the BKTC Chief Executive Officer, accusing some committee employees of irregularities in handling donations made to the temple.
The letter was widely circulated on social media, following which the BKTC ordered a probe into the matter.
The BKTC chairman, Hemant Dwivedi, said that if the allegations levelled against any employee are found to be true, strict action will be taken against the guilty.
The BKTC CEO, Sohan Singh Rangad, said that based on the matter which went viral on social media on July 2, the CCTV camera footage of the Badrinath Dham compound was checked. Though the footage is not clear, the BKTC chairman was informed about the entire issue, considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the subject. A clarification has also been sought from the employees in question.
The CEO said that unconfirmed allegations and counter-allegations should be avoided till the allegation is confirmed through a proper inquiry. He appealed to the public to respect religious sentiments and observe patience to prevent any impact on the image of the holy pilgrimage centre.
