India's Badrinath‑Kedarnath Temple Committee Launches Probe Amid Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Scandal

Following the high‑profile investigation into alleged misappropriation of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, similar accusations have surfaced regarding offerings at the Badrinath‑Kedarnath shrine. The Shri Badrinath‑Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) announced an internal inquiry, issued show‑cause notices to staff involved in counting donations, and began reviewing CCTV footage, though initial reviews have not produced conclusive proof of theft. BKTC officials stressed that any employee found guilty would face legal and departmental action under the 1939 Temple Committee Act.

In Ayodhya, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) convened by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expanded its probe, interrogated key witnesses, and secured a 15‑day extension to complete its work. The SIT plans a five‑year re‑audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust’s accounts, covering construction spending and gold, silver and jewellery donations. Eight individuals linked to the temple’s donation‑counting process have been arrested; police have recovered cash totaling over ₹90 lakh, about 11 g of gold, 375 g of silver and US$1,121. Further interrogations of jailed suspects are scheduled, and a court has permitted questioning of five accused within the prison.

Religious leaders, including the Ayodhya Sant Mandal, have publicly backed Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, urging the trust not to accept his resignation. Political figures such as Uttarakhand Congress vice‑president Suryakant Dhasmana have called for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to oversee investigations into the alleged thefts at both Ayodhya and the Badrinath‑Kedarnath temples.