Dehradun: Allegations of misappropriation of donations and offerings at Shri Badrinath Dham have taken a fresh turn after it emerged that the shrine’s CCTV cameras were replaced on July 1, days before claims of irregularities in temple donations surfaced. The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has already ordered an inquiry into the allegations, which gained widespread attention on social media.
CCTV cameras replaced before allegations surfaced
The controversy centres on allegations that donations and offerings made by devotees at the temple were mishandled.
Questions were raised after it came to light that all CCTV cameras at the shrine had been replaced shortly before the allegations became public.
Responding to the issue, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said the replacement of the surveillance system was part of a routine upgrade and not connected to the ongoing controversy.
BKTC says old footage remains safe
Rangad clarified that all 32 CCTV cameras at the temple were replaced after a donor gifted high-resolution surveillance equipment to the shrine.
He said the recordings captured by the previous cameras have been safely preserved in the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system and will be made available to the inquiry committee.
According to the CEO, the investigation will establish the complete sequence of events surrounding the allegations.
Inquiry under way
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi has directed an impartial and fact-based inquiry into the allegations.
Rangad said explanations have been sought from the employees concerned, and strict action will be taken if anyone is found guilty during the investigation.
The committee has assured devotees that the probe will be conducted transparently.
Official kept away from temple duties
Pending completion of the inquiry, BKTC has relieved Chairman Hemant Dwivedi’s private secretary, Pramod Nautiyal, of temple-related responsibilities.
The allegations have drawn significant public attention because of the religious importance of Shri Badrinath Dham, one of the country’s most revered pilgrimage centres.
The inquiry is expected to determine whether any irregularities occurred in the handling of devotees’ donations and recommend further action based on its findings.