CCTV cameras in Badrinath replaced days before donation fraud allegations surfaced

DEHRADUN: After allegations of donation fraud were also raised in the Badrinath temple located in Uttarakhand, it was found that the CCTV cameras in the temple were replaced earlier this month. 32 cameras installed in the temple premises were replaced. The vital information came to light after the Bhairav Sena came forward with allegations of fraud in the donations received at the Badrinath temple.

Meantime, Sohan Singh Rangad, chief executive officer of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), said that the installation of new cameras is a routine process. The camera replacement came to light after BKTC ordered an internal investigation into the donation fraud. The BKTC claims that they were replaced because someone donated better cameras. The temple committee stated that the footage from the old cameras is safe and will be made available for investigation.

The previous CCTV footage has been fully preserved in the DVR system. BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi has ordered an impartial and fact-based investigation into the allegations and has sought explanations from the employees concerned, said Sohan Singh Rangad. He said that strict action will be taken if any employee is found guilty in the investigation.

As the allegations become stronger, BKTC has removed chairman Hemant Dwivedi's private secretary Pramod Nautiyal and others from temple-related work. Bhairav Sena has made serious allegations that the money received as donations in the temple is being embezzled.