Badrinath Donation Row: Temple Staffer Suspended, Dhami Govt Orders High-Level Probe

Last Updated:July 08, 2026, 07:54 IST

The allegations gained attention after a complaint claimed that money offered by pilgrims was being diverted by employees instead of being deposited through the proper procedure

The Uttarakhand government has ordered a high-level inquiry into alleged irregularities in donations and offerings at the revered Badrinath Temple, even as the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) suspended one of its employees and lodged an FIR in connection with the case.

Acting on the directions of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government constituted a three-member committee to investigate the allegations and recommend measures to improve transparency and accountability in the temple’s donation management system.

The inquiry committee will be headed by Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop. Its other members are Sandeep Tiwari, managing director, National Health Mission (NHM), Uttarakhand, and Jagat Singh Chauhan, director (finance), Office of the Director General, Medical & Health Department.

According to the government, the panel has been given wide powers to seek assistance from officials, financial experts and other specialists during the investigation. Besides examining the alleged irregularities, it has also been tasked with suggesting reforms to strengthen the transparency, efficiency and accountability of the donation management system at one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites.

Temple Employee Suspended, FIR Registered

In a parallel administrative action, the BKTC suspended Pramod Nautiyal, a personal assistant posted in the chairman’s office, with immediate effect. The temple committee has also lodged an FIR against him as part of the ongoing investigation.

Officials said the action was taken to ensure a fair and impartial probe while the allegations are examined.

The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that cash donations offered by devotees at the Badrinath Temple may have been siphoned off before they were officially deposited in the temple’s donation boxes or treasury.

The allegations gained attention after a complaint claimed that money offered by pilgrims was allegedly being diverted by certain employees instead of being deposited through the prescribed procedure.

Authorities have not confirmed the extent of any financial loss, and the inquiry is expected to determine whether any irregularities took place and identify those responsible.

CCTV Footage, Records Under Scanner

As part of the investigation, officials are examining CCTV footage from the temple premises and scrutinising donation records, cash-handling procedures and other relevant documents.

The probe is also expected to review the standard operating procedures governing collection, counting and accounting of donations made by devotees.

The Badrinath Temple, one of the four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra and among Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimage sites, receives lakhs of devotees every year and collects substantial donations during the annual pilgrimage season.

Given the scale of offerings received by the shrine, the state government has stressed the need for complete transparency in handling devotees’ contributions.

Officials said the inquiry is intended not only to establish whether any wrongdoing occurred but also to plug systemic loopholes and strengthen public confidence in the management of temple funds.

About the Author

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is a News Editor at News18.com with a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering fresh angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers. Foll...Read More

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