Haridwar, July 12: Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj and NCBC Chairperson Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at Badrinath Temple, stressing that those responsible for misusing devotees' faith must face strict action.

Swami Kailashanand supported a high-level probe and said temples should be managed by spiritual leaders and independent trusts rather than the government. He expressed confidence in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttarakhand government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti said the SIT would ensure justice and urged equal treatment for all devotees, regardless of VIP status.

The Uttarakhand government has directed the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) to take legal action against officials found responsible for financial irregularities linked to VIP hospitality expenses. An inquiry found prima facie evidence of unauthorised use of temple funds.

Meanwhile, the SIT has recorded statements from five witnesses, recovered CCTV footage allegedly showing suspicious cash handling, and sought the BKTC's bank records from the past three years as the investigation continues.