In response to recent allegations made by a senior priest regarding a potential scam in the gold layering work at Kedarnath temple, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has strongly refuted the claims, labeling them as part of a conspiracy by “petty political elements.” The committee attributed the allegations to a disapproval of the significant increase in the number of pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, implying that certain elements aim to disrupt the pilgrimage and tarnish the reputation of Kedarnath Dham.
The allegations were raised by Santosh Trivedi, a senior priest and vice-president of Char Dham Mahapanchayat, who alleged irregularities in the gold layering work, estimating a scam amounting to ₹125 crore. Trivedi claimed that the gold layering was actually made of brass instead of genuine gold. He claimed that many people associated with the management of the temple had disagreed with the proposal of gold layering work as it was against the traditions. He demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
Also read: Kedarnath temple priest alleges ₹125 crore scam in gold layering work, management responds
In a press note, the temple committee dismissed the allegations, clarifying that the decision to gold plate the sanctum sanctorum was in response to a donor’s wish, which the committee respected. The committee further explained that the gold layering work was carried out under the supervision of experts from the Archaeological Survey of India.
The committee also emphasized that the entire process of beautifying the ‘Garbha Griha,’ including the procurement of gold and the inlaying of walls, was solely executed by the donor without direct involvement from the temple committee. They highlighted that the same donor had previously adorned the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Badrinath Temple with gold in 2005. The committee denounced the current accusations as part of a well-planned conspiracy.
The committee acknowledged the significant increase in the number of pilgrims, crediting the well-organized travel operations inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guided by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
“There has been a record increase in the number of devotees, especially at Shree Kedarnath Dham. Petty political elements do not like this. Such elements are spreading illusions to influence the Yatra and tarnish the image of Kedarnath Dham,” the committee said.
Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
More
Less
Updated: 18 Jun 2023, 02:09 PM IST
For all the latest world News Click Here
