Gold Scandal at Kedarnath: Committee Chairman Refutes Shankaracharya's Allegations

Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman Ajendra Ajay challenges Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand's claims of 228 kg of missing gold. Ajay suggested addressing concerns to competent authorities or courts and criticized the potential political motives behind the allegations.

Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman Ajendra Ajay on Wednesday refuted allegations by Swami Avimukteshwaranand, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, who claimed 228 kilograms of gold were stolen from Kedarnath Temple. Speaking to ANI, Ajay deemed the statements unfortunate and called on the Shankaracharya to present concrete facts.

Ajay remarked, 'The statement made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand regarding the gold's disappearance in Kedarnath Dham is very unfortunate. I urge him to bring out the facts.' He added that instead of making public allegations, Swami Avimukteshwaranand should appeal to the competent authority or file a petition with the Supreme Court or High Court if he has evidence.

Addressing the dignity of Kedarnath Dham, Ajay expressed that the Shankaracharya should not harm its reputation for political motives. He criticized Swami Avimukteshwaranand for potentially furthering the agenda of Congress and insisted on a proper investigation if warranted.

On July 15, Swami Avimukteshwaranand had alleged that a gold scam involving 228 kg of missing gold from Kedarnath had occurred and faulted the authorities for insufficient inquiry. He expressed concerns over varying reports on the amount of missing gold, urging for a credible investigation to uncover the truth.