Badrinath Theft Case – Suspended Temple Staff Member Arrested During Ongoing Investigation
Badrinath Theft Case –A suspended employee of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has been taken into police custody as the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ offerings at the Badrinath temple gathers pace. The arrest marks an important step in the inquiry being conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which continues to examine financial records, official documents, and other evidence connected to the case.
Arrest Made From Dehradun Residence
According to Chamoli Police, suspended BKTC employee Pramod Nautiyal was arrested late on Sunday from his residence in Dehradun. After being taken into custody, he was brought to Badrinath for further questioning by investigators. Officials said the interrogation is aimed at establishing the sequence of events and verifying information collected during the investigation.
Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjit Singh Panwar confirmed the arrest and stated that the SIT is carefully examining every aspect linked to the allegations. He said investigators are reviewing available records and evidence to ensure that the inquiry remains comprehensive and impartial.
Investigation Continues With Focus on Evidence
Police officials said the investigation is progressing on the basis of documentary evidence and statements collected so far. The SIT is evaluating official files and other materials to determine the extent of the alleged irregularities. Authorities maintained that any future action in the case will depend entirely on the findings emerging during the investigation.
The police also stated that the accused will be produced before the appropriate court in accordance with legal procedures. Officials emphasized that the inquiry is being carried out fairly and in line with the law.
Suspension Followed Allegations Over Devotees’ Offerings
Nautiyal had been working with the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee before being suspended after allegations surfaced regarding the handling of donations offered by devotees at the famous Himalayan shrine. The accusations led the temple committee to initiate administrative action while law enforcement agencies began a separate criminal investigation.
His arrest comes shortly before the Uttarakhand High Court is scheduled to hear his petition on July 16. Through the petition, Nautiyal reportedly sought protection from arrest and challenged both his suspension from service and the criminal case registered against him. The High Court had earlier directed the BKTC to submit its response in the matter.
Allegations Sparked Wider Inquiry
The controversy began after Bhairav Sena founder Sandeep Khatri publicly alleged that offerings made by pilgrims at the Badrinath temple were being misused. The claims attracted significant public attention and triggered political reactions across Uttarakhand, with several voices calling for a transparent and independent investigation into the matter.
In response to the allegations, BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi constituted a four-member committee to examine the issues raised. As public scrutiny increased, the Uttarakhand government also announced a separate three-member high-level panel to conduct its own inquiry alongside the police investigation.
Possibility of Further Action
Following the registration of the case, investigators have been examining whether additional individuals may have had any role in the alleged misappropriation. Police sources indicated that further legal action, including possible arrests, cannot be ruled out if fresh evidence points to the involvement of others.
Badrinath is one of the four sacred shrines included in Uttarakhand’s Char Dham pilgrimage and attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The temple receives substantial offerings from pilgrims, making transparent management of donations an important aspect of temple administration. Authorities have reiterated that the investigation will continue until all relevant facts are established.