By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Badrinath, 21 Jul: In the wake of allegations of misappropriation in temple offerings at Badrinath, the Badrinath‑Kedarnath Temple Committee has reportedly submitted all the financial records related to offerings to the Garhwal Commissioner through the Sub‑Divisional Magistrate of Jyotirmath. Besides this, the committee has also claimed to have strengthened transparency in its functioning. Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad convened a video conference with the officials of subordinate temples, guest houses and schools, issuing directions for strict vigilance and accountability.
The committee has handed over financial records to the inquiry panel, and renovation of the offering counting room in the temple premises will begin only after directions from the Commissioner. A three‑member inquiry committee constituted by the government had reached Badrinath on 14 July and begun its probe, examining CCTV footage related to the incident along with financial records and other important documents.
Meanwhile, the police team investigating the theft of offerings examined records at the protocol office and other offices of the temple committee yesterday. Verification was also carried out of gold, silver and other valuables kept in the treasury of Kuber. The team matched daily financial data with relevant documents to advance the investigation. Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Singh Bisht stated that the inquiry is continuing.
Besides this, Rangad has instructed the officers posted at Badrinath, Kedarnath, Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, Narasimha temple in Jyotirmath and other shrines to maintain complete transparency in recording and the donation counting process. He directed that all the offerings be properly entered in the relevant registers and counted in a transparent manner. He further ordered that CCTV cameras installed in all temples be kept operational round the clock to ensure effective monitoring of every activity. Instructions were also given to exercise vigilance in the schools run by the committee and to conduct regular monitoring of teams. Managers of BKTC guest houses at travel halts in Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts were also asked to keep special watch on arrangements.
