CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has given a strong reaction on the alleged irregularities in donations and offerings in Badrinath temple. He described this crime as ‘a sin like cow slaughter’. A case has been registered against BKTC President’s PA Pramod Nautiyal and a committee has been formed to investigate the matter.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday reacted strongly to the ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities related to donations and offerings at the Badrinath temple. “This crime is as heinous as cow slaughter,” he said.
In Haridwar, CM Dhami said, “The investigation has been completed and we will give an update soon. A committee has been formed and the police have started preliminary investigation; a report has also been filed… This crime is like the sin of cow slaughter or killing one’s parents, and it cannot be forgiven.”
He reiterated that no culprit will be spared and strict action will be taken against them.
Case registered against BKTC President’s PA
A criminal case has been registered against Pramod Nautiyal, personal assistant in the office of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) chairman, following allegations of illegally diverting temple offerings. This FIR has been registered at Badrinath Police Station under sections 306 and 316(5) of the Indian Code of Justice (BNS), 2023.
The complaint filed by BKTC has accused Nautiyal of illegally embezzling temple funds for personal gain. The allegations stem from an incident that occurred on July 2 during the counting of offerings from thali bhent (donation plate).
The committee’s preliminary investigation found that temple funds were secretly withdrawn from the donation counting center during a 30-minute period between 9:00 am and 9:30 am.
Following these prima facie findings, BKTC suspended Nautiyal from his post before taking formal legal action. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to safeguard the integrity of the temple’s donation process.
Formation of high-level committee to investigate
In view of the alleged irregularities and complaints related to donations and offerings at Badrinath Dham and keeping in mind the seriousness of the matter, the Uttarakhand government has constituted a three-member high-level committee on the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to conduct a comprehensive investigation. (ANI)
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