Haridwar, July 8 -- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday responded strongly to the ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities related to donations and offerings at the Badrinath temple, saying "crime is a heinous sin, akin to cow slaughter."

"The investigation is complete, and we will provide an update soon. A committee has been formed, and the police have initiated a preliminary investigation; a report has also been filed... This crime is akin to the sin of cow slaughter or killing one's own parents, and it cannot be forgiven," CM Dhami said in Haridwar.

He reiterated that no guilty person would be spared and strict action would be taken against them.

A criminal case has been registered against Pramod Nauti...