A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has stepped up its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of offerings at Badrinath Dham, questioning senior temple officials and expanding the probe after CCTV footage reportedly raised suspicion over the conduct of additional employees.
The inquiry has moved beyond the arrest of a suspended employee and is now examining the temple’s administrative processes, handling of donations and the possible involvement of others connected with the currency-counting operations.
SIT begins on-ground investigation at Badrinath Dham
The three-member SIT reached Badrinath and began its investigation by questioning Badrinath Temple Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad and his Personal Assistant, Atul Dimri.
Led by Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop, the team also includes senior officials from the finance and management departments.
Investigators later reviewed CCTV footage and operational records from the temple’s control room as part of the inquiry into the handling of devotees’ offerings.
CCTV footage brings more BKTC employees under scrutiny
The criminal investigation has also gathered momentum.
Suspended Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) employee Pramod Nautiyal has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by the District and Sessions Court in Gopeshwar. He has been sent to Pursadi District Jail.
During an examination of CCTV footage from June 25, investigators reportedly noticed the presence and conduct of several other BKTC employees inside the currency-counting room.
Police have seized the relevant footage and are now examining the role of those employees as they trace the alleged movement of funds.
Political exchanges continue over allegations
The controversy has also triggered a political confrontation in Uttarakhand.
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi accused Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal of politicising the issue. Dwivedi said Godiyal had served as the Temple Committee chairman for a long period and claimed questions had also been raised during his tenure.
Responding to the remarks, Godiyal said he was prepared to publicly answer every allegation levelled against him.
The allegations over the handling of temple offerings were first raised by Bhairav Sena founder Sandeep Khatri, who claimed there were serious irregularities in the management of devotees’ donations. The allegations drew public attention and sparked a political exchange between rival parties.
As the controversy intensified, the BKTC first constituted a four-member inquiry committee. The Uttarakhand government later formed a separate three-member high-level committee to investigate the matter.