BKTC will also fast-track the deployment of a dedicated security team at Badrinath Temple as investigators probe the alleged money trail linked to the suspected misappropriation of devotees’ donations.
The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has constituted an enquiry panel after allegations regarding offerings at Shri Badrinath Dham surfaced on social media. | IANS
The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) will install high-quality surveillance cameras across the Badrinath Temple complex after the alleged misappropriation of temple donations led to the arrest of a BKTC employee, officials said on Tuesday.
The decision comes as parallel investigations by the temple committee and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) continue to examine alleged irregularities in the handling of donations at one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The committee said the incident had deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees and pledged stricter security measures to restore confidence.
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BKTC Vice Chairman Vijay Kapruwan said the committee acted soon after allegations surfaced on social media earlier this month.
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“A matter came to light via social media on the 2nd, and the temple committee immediately constituted a 4-member team to initiate an inquiry. Simultaneously, the government also formed a team comprising a commissioner and other officials,” he told ANI.
Kapruwan said the committee would install high-quality surveillance cameras across the temple premises. He added that a proposal to deploy a dedicated security team at the shrine would also be expedited.
Kapruwan said the inquiry had pointed towards a “Vaitik Sahayak” (ritual assistant), who has emerged as the prime suspect in the case.
“The investigation is ongoing, and the name of a ‘Vaitik Sahayak’ has surfaced in connection with the case. According to sources, the police arrested him at his home yesterday. I believe the inquiry will bring the absolute truth to light,” he said.
Expressing concern over the incident, Kapruwan said millions of devotees have deep faith in the shrine.
“Millions of people hold deep faith in the Lord, and the occurrence of such an incident, which was truly tragic, was deeply distressing,” he said, adding that “only Lord Bholenath knows exactly what transpired.”
The case relates to the alleged theft and irregularities involving donations received at Badrinath Temple. State authorities constituted a Special Investigation Team to investigate the allegations and identify those responsible.
On Monday, the SIT arrested suspended BKTC employee Pramod Nautiyal, who is the prime accused in the case. He was arrested from his residence in Dehradun and taken to Badrinath for production before a court.
SIT Investigation Officer Mahadev Uniyal said investigators had gathered important evidence and would seek further police custody of the accused to trace the money trail and examine any possible links in the alleged offence.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said those found guilty would face strict action.
“Strict action will be taken in this matter as these are centres of Sanatan and devotion. The law will take its own course. A crime being committed at such a place is not worth forgiving,” he said.
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