Badrinath Dham Temple Committee’s Suspended Employee Arrested in Donation Theft Case
Badrinath Dham Temple Committee’s Suspended Employee Arrested in a major breakthrough in the alleged donation theft case at the famous Himalayan shrine. The Uttarakhand Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Pramod Nautiyal, a suspended employee of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), after an investigation into alleged irregularities in the handling of devotees’ offerings.
According to investigators, CCTV footage allegedly showed Nautiyal concealing cash and other offerings beneath his mobile phone before placing them into his pocket instead of the authorised collection system. Police have stated that the evidence formed a key part of the investigation leading to his arrest. The allegations are under investigation, and the accused will have the opportunity to present his defence during legal proceedings.
Why Was the Employee Arrested?
The SIT arrested Pramod Nautiyal after reviewing CCTV footage and conducting an inquiry into the alleged mishandling of temple donations.
According to police, the investigation revealed suspected irregularities during the counting and handling of offerings made by devotees. Before the arrest, BKTC had suspended Nautiyal following a preliminary internal inquiry.
What Did the CCTV Footage Show?
Investigators claim CCTV footage captured the accused allegedly hiding currency notes and other offerings beneath his mobile phone before removing them from the donation collection area.
The footage reportedly became one of the primary pieces of evidence examined by the SIT during its investigation. Authorities are continuing to analyse additional electronic and documentary evidence.
SIT Investigation
The Uttarakhand government constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the allegations after the controversy surfaced.
The SIT has questioned several officials and reviewed CCTV recordings, financial records, and donation management procedures. Investigators are examining whether others were involved or whether the alleged irregularities were limited to the arrested employee.
BKTC’s Action
The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee suspended Pramod Nautiyal after a preliminary inquiry pointed to suspected irregularities.
Temple authorities have stated that they are cooperating fully with the investigation and have assured devotees that strict measures will be taken if any wrongdoing is established.
Government Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the alleged offence as extremely serious, stating that any crime involving donations made by devotees would not be tolerated.
The state government has assured that the investigation will continue impartially and that action will be taken against anyone found responsible under the law.
Why the Case Matters
Badrinath Dham is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, attracting lakhs of devotees every year.
The case has drawn widespread attention because it concerns donations offered by pilgrims. Authorities say maintaining transparency and accountability in the handling of temple funds is essential to preserving public trust in religious institutions.
What Happens Next?
The SIT is expected to continue questioning witnesses, examining financial records, and analysing electronic evidence.
Police may seek further custodial interrogation if required, while the court will determine the future course of the criminal proceedings. The investigation remains ongoing, and no final judicial findings have yet been made.
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