SIT investigation intensifies in Badrinath Dham donation tampering case.
The investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations at Badrinath Dham has intensified, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arresting Rajendra Singh Chauhan, former Temple Officer of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and former in-charge of donation counting.
Chauhan was produced before a court in Joshimath on Saturday, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody after completing the required legal formalities.
Meanwhile, CCTV footage examined during the probe has raised serious questions about the temple’s donation management system.
CCTV footage raises fresh questions
According to sources associated with the investigation, 13 days of available CCTV footage allegedly show the daily removal of bundles of currency notes, gold, and silver from the donation counting area.
However, 32 days of CCTV recordings are reportedly missing, prompting the SIT to investigate whether the activities captured on camera were part of an authorised procedure or whether the system was misused to divert temple offerings.
Investigating officer Mahadev Uniyal said saffron, other items, and foreign currency were recovered from the accused during the investigation.
“The accused is not cooperating with the investigation regarding the missing cash,” Uniyal said.
SIT presenting BKTC’s former employee Rajendra Chauhan in the court located in Joshimath.
Questions raised over bank procedures
The probe has also triggered questions over changes made this year to the system of counting donation cash and the role of bank personnel.
While there has been no official confirmation, sources claim that unlike previous years, most of the cash was counted at bank premises instead of inside the temple complex.
Earlier, donations were reportedly counted within the temple premises using currency-counting machines in the presence of BKTC officials and staff from the State Bank of India (SBI) and Punjab National Bank (PNB). This year, however, only one bank employee was allegedly stationed at the temple, and currency-counting machines were reportedly not used on-site.
Neither SBI, PNB, BKTC, nor the SIT has officially confirmed these claims.
Temple employees being questioned
Chauhan was presented before the court of Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Judicial Magistrate-in-Charge Heena Kausar in Joshimath before being sent to jail.
The SIT said the investigation is continuing, with several temple employees being questioned to determine the role of all individuals involved in the alleged diversion of offerings.
During the SIT investigation, saffron, other items, and foreign currency were recovered from the possession of the accused.
Key findings so far
13 Days of footage available, 32 days missing
Investigators claim the available CCTV footage repeatedly shows cash bundles and valuables being removed from the donation counting area. The SIT is now attempting to recover the missing 32 days of footage from the DVR.
Foreign currency recovered
According to the SIT, foreign currency, saffron, and other items were recovered from Chauhan’s possession. Investigators are matching the recovered material with CCTV footage and other evidence while continuing to question the accused about the missing cash.
Probe expands to entire donation management system
The SIT is examining not only the accused’s role but also the complete process of collecting, counting, packing, transporting, and depositing donations. Investigators are reviewing records, CCTV footage, and documents to identify any discrepancies that could widen the scope of the investigation.
Investigation timeline
Second arrest in the case
Chauhan is the second person arrested in the alleged offerings scam. A former BKTC Temple Officer and donation-counting supervisor, he retired on June 30 and was arrested from Jyotirmath after nearly four hours of questioning.
Earlier, BKTC employee Pramod Nautiyal was arrested on July 12.
Evidence points to alleged involvement
According to the SIT, Chauhan’s alleged role has emerged through CCTV footage, witness statements, documentary evidence, and electronic records. Investigators allege that he, along with Nautiyal, diverted cash and other offerings received during the donation-counting process.
Efforts are also underway to recover the missing CCTV footage.
Administrative action and reform recommendations
So far, two arrests have been made in the case. Donation-counting cashier Sandesh Mehta has been removed from his position.
A four-member BKTC inquiry committee has submitted an 18-page report to BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, recommending major reforms in the donation-counting process, surveillance mechanism, and overall security system at the temple.
