In the wake of the alleged offerings and donation theft controversy at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has introduced stricter measures to ensure transparency in the collection and management of donations at all temples under its control. The CEO's directive issued on Thursday has attracted significant attention.
The committee has asked officials to ensure complete transparency in collecting, storing and maintaining records of donations and offerings so that no financial irregularities or complaints arise in the future.
In an order issued on July 2, Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangar directed officials and staff working at donation counting centres, accounts sections, treasury offices, guest houses and puja counters at Badrinath, Kedarnath and other BKTC-managed temples to remain extra vigilant while handling temple funds.
The order states that any negligence or irregularity in managing cash donations, offerings or donated items will invite strict action.
The CEO instructed all concerned officials to maintain proper records of cash receipts and donated materials as per established procedures. He also asked them to conduct regular checks and warned that any lapse found in the future would lead to disciplinary action against those responsible.
The instructions have been sent to the Temple Committee chairman and circulated among officers at Badrinath and Kedarnath, the Thali Bhent in-charge, accountants, treasurers and managers of all BKTC guest houses for strict compliance.
Meanwhile, the Faizabad Bar Association has lodged a complaint with the Ayodhya Police against former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, former trustee Anil Mishra, administrator Gopal Rao and others over the alleged financial irregularities.
The Bar Association has also demanded registration of a fresh FIR, claiming that new facts have emerged in the case.
The controversy surfaced after an FIR was registered on June 25. Following the developments, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned, taking moral responsibility for the issue, while the Uttar Pradesh government extended the tenure of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) by 15 days to widen its investigation.
Police are continuing to record statements from key individuals as part of the ongoing probe.
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