High-level probe ordered into alleged irregularities with donations at Badrinath shrine

Amid complaints of alleged irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings at the Badrinath temple, the Uttarakhand government on Tuesday (July 7, 2026) constituted a three-member high-level committee to investigate the matter.

According to an order issued by Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Singh Garbyal, the committee will be headed by the Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop. Its other members are National Health Mission Managing Director Sandeep Tiwari and Jagat Singh Chauhan, Director (Finance) in the office of the Director General, Medical and Health Services.

The committee has been tasked to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities related to donations and offerings received by the temple, and submit its report, along with recommendations, to the government within 15 days.

The order authorises the panel to seek assistance or expert opinion from any official or other person considered necessary during the course of the inquiry.

The development coincided with disciplinary action by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, which suspended Pramod Nautiyal, personal assistant attached to the office of the committee’s chairman, with immediate effect.

Mr. Nautiyal was issued a show-cause notice on July 3 after prima facie allegations of serious irregularities in the discharge of his official duties surfaced, according to the temple committee. A four-member inquiry committee was also constituted to examine the matter.

After examining Mr. Nautiyal explanation and the preliminary inquiry report, the allegations appeared to be substantiated at the prima facie stage, the committee said. The inquiry panel recommended disciplinary proceedings, and observed that retaining the employee in his present post could potentially affect the investigation.