The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged theft of donations from the Badrinath Temple has arrested former temple officer Rajendra Chauhan after questioning him for nearly four hours on Friday.
According to investigators, Chauhan is one of the key suspects in the case. He is expected to be produced before a court on July 18 for further legal proceedings as the investigation continues.
CCTV Footage Forms Key Part Of Investigation
The SIT’s action follows its examination of CCTV footage allegedly showing Chauhan collecting bundles of cash and placing them in his pocket on June 22, June 25 and June 29.
Based on the footage and other evidence gathered during the probe, the SIT summoned Chauhan for questioning before placing him under arrest.
Investigators are continuing to analyse the CCTV recordings and other material to determine whether donation money was misappropriated.
BKTC Submits 18-Page Internal Inquiry Report
The investigation has gathered pace after the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) submitted its 18-page internal inquiry report to the SIT.
According to Uttarakhand Police, the report forms an important part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of temple donations.
Fresh CCTV footage reviewed by investigators has also reportedly helped identify additional suspects linked to the case.
SIT Reviews CCTV Footage From Multiple Dates
Police said the SIT has successfully recovered and examined CCTV footage from June 22 and June 25 as part of the investigation.
In addition, investigators have now retrieved complete CCTV recordings from June 29 and July 2, which are currently being analysed for further evidence.
The CCTV review is expected to help investigators reconstruct the movement and handling of donation cash during the relevant period.
Committee Examined Donation Handling Process
Earlier this week, a committee constituted to examine the alleged theft visited Badrinath Dham to inspect the system for handling and transporting temple donations.
The team also reviewed security arrangements inside the donation counting room and assessed the procedures followed during the counting and storage of offerings made by devotees.
Temple Officials Also Questioned
As part of the expanding investigation, the SIT has questioned Badrinath Temple Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sohan Singh Rangad and his Personal Assistant Atul Dimri regarding alleged lapses in supervision and oversight.
Investigators have also been stationed in the temple’s CCTV control room, where they are systematically reviewing surveillance footage, operational records and the daily movement of donation collections.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed the total amount allegedly involved in the suspected theft.