look news india
There has been an uproar in the politics of the state after a case of alleged financial irregularities in the offerings and donations in the temple of Lord Badrivishal, one of the famous Chardhams of Uttarakhand, came to light. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken the toughest stand so far on this very serious and sensitive issue. CM Dhami has strongly condemned this act, calling it a severe attack on the faith of Sanatan Dharma and warned in a strict tone that the culprits will be found even from the underworld and sent behind the bars.
“This is a sin like cow slaughter and killing of parents” – CM Dhami was furious
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s anger was clearly visible while talking to the media in Haridwar. He compared this financial fraud to a great sin and said, “Stealing in the house of God and embezzling the trust money of devotees is a sin as heinous and grave as ‘cow slaughter’ or ‘slaying one’s parents’. Those who commit such heinous acts cannot be forgiven at any cost. Our government follows a policy of zero tolerance on corruption and those who play with the dignity of this holy place will go to jail.”
FIR registered against BKTC President’s PA Pramod Nautiyal, suspended
The irregularities during the counting of donation boxes (thali offerings) at Badrinath Dham came to light when questions were raised on social media and local organisations. Initial investigation into the matter revealed that on July 2, the amount of temple offerings was secretly disappeared from the donation counting center within just 30 minutes.
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Strong action: Taking immediate action, Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has suspended Chairman’s Personal Assistant (PA) Pramod Nautiyal with immediate effect.
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Police Case: Legal clampdown has been tightened by registering an FIR against Pramod Nautiyal at Badrinath police station under sections 306 (theft of owner’s property by an employee) and 316 (5) (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Justice Code (BNS).
High-level SIT formed under the chairmanship of Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup
On the instructions of Chief Minister Dhami, the Uttarakhand government has constituted a high-level investigation committee (SIT) to get to the bottom of this matter which has hurt the faith of crores of Sanatanis.
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15 day deadline: According to the order issued by the Tourism Secretary, Garhwal Division Commissioner Anand Swarup will be the chairman of this 3-member high level committee.
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Panel Members: This investigation team includes Sandeep Tiwari, Managing Director of National Health Mission (NHM) and Jagat Singh Chauhan, Finance Director of Directorate General of Health.
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Team will examine CCTV footage: This committee will closely examine the CCTV footage of the temple complex, records of past financial transactions and Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and submit its detailed report and suggestions to improve the system to the government within 15 days.
Chief Minister lashed out at those doing politics at religious places
CM Dhami also gave a befitting reply to the demands of judicial inquiry by Congress and opposition parties regarding this matter and the attacks on the government. Taking a jibe at the opposition, he said that those who cannot discuss development issues often turn our holy places of worship into political arenas. He assured the lakhs of pilgrims coming from India and abroad that every penny of the devotees’ faith is completely safe and making the temple system more transparent and strong is the top priority of the Dhami government.