A second accused has been arrested in the case of alleged financial irregularities involving cash and offerings collected through thali bhent at Badrinath Dham. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case arrested Rajendra Chauhan, a permanent employee of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and the then temple officer in charge of the offering plate counting process.
According to police, the investigation revealed that Chauhan allegedly conspired with Pramod Nautiyal, who was arrested on July 12 and is currently in judicial custody, to misappropriate part of the cash and other offerings received during the counting process. The SIT conducted a detailed analysis of CCTV footage from the thali bhent counting room across multiple dates and recorded statements of witnesses.
The CCTV footage from June 22, 25, and 29 allegedly shows Chauhan placing bundles of Rs 500 notes, donated items, and jewellery into his pockets on several occasions. Based on the electronic evidence and other material collected, Section 61(2)(a) of the BNS was added to the case, and Chauhan was identified as a co-accused.
A police team brought Chauhan from Jyotirmath to Badrinath Police Station for questioning on July 17, following which he was arrested. The investigation also revealed that Nautiyal allegedly removed Rs 500 currency notes, packets containing gold and silver coins, a Shaligram stone, and a packet of saffron from the counting room and illegally took them into his possession.
The BKTC had earlier taken disciplinary action by suspending Nautiyal. A show-cause notice was served to Nautiyal on July 3, after allegations of irregularities in the discharge of his official duties came to light.
