The alleged misappropriation of donations at Badrinath Temple has turned into a political controversy. Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal and Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) Chairman Hemant Dwivedi have exchanged allegations, adding to the ongoing dispute.
Dwivedi accused the Congress of using the issue for political gain. He also questioned Godiyal's tenure as former BKTC chairman, claiming that concerns had also been raised during the period when he headed the committee.
In response, Godiyal rejected the allegations and said he was ready to publicly answer every charge made against him. The controversy began after Bhairav Sena founder Sandeep Khatri alleged irregularities in the handling of donations offered by devotees at Badrinath Temple. His claims drew public attention and soon led to a political exchange between the ruling party and the opposition.
As the matter gained momentum, the BKTC formed a four-member panel to conduct an internal inquiry. The Uttarakhand government later constituted a separate three-member high-level panel to investigate the allegations.
During the investigation, BKTC employee Pramod Nautiyal was suspended, booked by the police and later arrested. Investigators are now looking into the money trail and other aspects of the alleged financial irregularities.
On Monday, the District and Sessions Court in Gopeshwar sent Nautiyal to 14 days of judicial custody and he was lodged in Pursadi District Jail. Meanwhile, other BKTC employees seen with him in CCTV footage recorded on June 25 have also come under investigation.
Police are examining the role of several other temple committee employees. CCTV footage from the donation counting room reportedly shows some employees behaving suspiciously. The footage has been seized as part of the investigation.
Investigators reviewed the June 25 recordings on Sunday and found that the actions of a few employees, apart from the main accused, also appeared questionable. Their role will now be examined as the probe continues.
Police will also analyse CCTV footage from June 29 to determine whether more people were involved. Officials said high-resolution CCTV cameras were installed in the temple premises from June 27 to strengthen surveillance.
Also read: Badrinath theft: Accused maintains innocence; SIT seeks custody
Follow us
