The Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar has introduced a new requirement for priests to don pocketless attire. This measure aims to address ongoing concerns regarding the management of donations at the religious site. Ravindra Puri, Chairman of the Mansa Devi Temple Trust, confirmed that all priests and staff are now complying with this dress code.

Puri noted his observation that the kurtas worn by priests and staff lacked pockets. He expressed that this change is necessary to protect the temple’s reputation. He stated, “Those who are opposing us are trying to tarnish the reputation of the Mansa Devi Temple. I would never seek to defame them; however, this situation compelled me to decide that our priests should wear attires without pockets while on duty.”

To enhance security, Puri revealed the installation of sixty-five surveillance cameras in the temple compound. He mentioned that any individual caught engaging in improper conduct on camera would face consequences. The new regulations dictate that offerings made by devotees are to be directed to the temple, rather than directly to the priests, a move that has been accepted by all priests involved.

Investigation into Alleged Donation Theft at Badrinath Temple

This dress code decision comes in response to a controversy surrounding an alleged theft of donations at the Badrinath Temple. On July 2, irregularities were reported during the counting of cash offerings, leading to suspicions of financial misconduct. A preliminary inquiry indicated that cash had been removed from the counting area, contravening established protocols.

An FIR regarding the incident was filed at the Badrinath Police Station based on a complaint from Yudhvir Pushpwan, the officer in charge of the Badrinath Kamikoti Trust (BKTC). The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is actively pursuing the matter, with statements from various BKTC officials having already been recorded as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Recent efforts by the SIT have involved the seizure of critical digital evidence from the temple premises. SIT Officer Mahadev Uniyal confirmed that the police secured the surveillance records in order to uncover any irregularities in the management of the temple donations.

Examination of Donation Handling Procedures

On July 14, a committee was established to look into the alleged theft and visited Badrinath Dham to assess the entire donation handling process. This committee aimed to review how donations are gathered, transported, and processed within the counting room.

Sandeep Tiwari, Managing Director of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), articulated the purpose of the visit, stating, “We have reviewed this entire procedure as well as past CCTV recordings.” The team not only examined the logistics of how donations are transported but also inspected the arrangements within the counting room and the involvement of staff members.

Tiwari also mentioned that the inquiry would extend to collecting testimonies from the complainant and enabling public input for any additional information regarding the case. The committee is empowered to seek expert assessments, including those from forensic and cyber specialists, should the situation demand such expertise in its investigations.

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