"3-member panel to hear perspectives of concerned parties before submiting report...": Garhwal Commissioner on Badrinath Dham donation irregularities probe
Rishikesh, July 10
Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop on Friday said that a three-member committee including himself along with Sandeep Tiwari, Managing Director of the National Health Mission, and Jagat Singh Chauhan, Director, Office of the Director General, Medical and Health Department will oversee the Badrinath Dham Temple donations irregularities by hearing perspectives of various concerned parties including the complainants before submitting a report.
Speaking to ANI, he said that the committee headed by Swaroop will propose suggestions on how to streamline the system and ensure that it remains free from controversy and transparent.
"The government has constituted a committee. I have been appointed as its chairperson, alongside two other members: Sandeep Tiwari and Jagat Singh Chauhan. This three-member committee will investigate the matter and propose suggestions on how to streamline the system, ensuring it remains transparent and free from controversy. Our team will soon contact the relevant individuals, including complainants and other concerned parties, to hear their perspectives before submitting a report to the government," he said.
Earlier, the Uttarakhand Government constituted a three-member high-level committee on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged embezzlement of Badrinath Dham Temple donations.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday responded strongly to the ongoing controversy, saying "crime is a heinous sin, akin to cow slaughter."
He reiterated that no guilty person would be spared and strict action would be taken against them.
The allegations stem from an incident on July 2, during the counting of offerings from the Thali Bhent (donation plate). A preliminary inquiry by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) established that temple funds were surreptitiously removed from the donation counting centre during a 30-minute window between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
The FIR was lodged at the Badrinath Police Station under Sections 306 and 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The complaint, filed by the BKTC, accused Nautiyal of unlawfully misappropriating temple funds for personal gain.
In view of these findings, and to ensure a fair, transparent and impartial investigation, BKTC has placed Pramod Nautiyal under suspension with immediate effect.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the inquiry, I wish the Chief Minister hadn't equated this crime with cow slaughter. Both are serious but different issues. Comparing them feels like political rhetoric rather than focusing on the actual problem of misusing temple funds. Let's keep the investigation focused on facts, not religious metaphors.
Interesting that they're including the National Health Mission MD in this committee. Is there a connection between temple funds and health, or is it just a governance move? Either way, transparency is key. Having seen how temple donations work in India, the cash counting process needs CCTV coverage and multiple witnesses at all times. Basic protocols.
I've been going to Badrinath for 20 years, and we always had trust in the temple management. This incident is deeply troubling. For a 30-minute window to allow misappropriation, the security and surveillance gaps are alarming. I hope the committee recommends real-time monitoring and stricter audits. Our faith should never be exploited like this. 🙏
This case highlights why even religious institutions need modern financial management practices. In the US, even small churches have independent audits and electronic donation tracking. India's temples generate crores in cash, and manual counting creates vulnerabilities. The committee should suggest digital donation systems with direct bank transfers, which would reduce cash handling issues altogether.
The CM's strong stance is welcome, but actions speak louder than words. Let's see how quickly they act on the committee's recommendations. Also, I hope the suspended officer gets a fair hearing - innocent until proven guilty. But
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