A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the alleged donation irregularities at the Badrinath shrine

The development comes amid complaints of alleged irregularities in the handling of gifts and offerings at the Badrinath temple. File photo for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: PTI

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

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

The committee has been tasked to conduct a comprehensive inquiry 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 regulation authorizes the commission to request the assistance or expert opinion of any officer or other person it deems necessary during the investigation.

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

Mr. Nautiyal was extradited on July 3 after prima facie allegations of serious irregularities in the discharge of his official duties emerged, according to the temple committee. A four-member commission of inquiry was also established to investigate the matter.

After examining Mr. Nautiyal’s explanation and the preliminary investigation report, the allegations appeared to be substantiated at the prima facie stage, the committee said. The board of inquiry recommended disciplinary action and noted that keeping the employee in his current position could affect the investigation.

Published – 7 Jul 2026 22:23 IST