CCTV reveals how accused operated, even saffron wasn’t spared
2 min learnJul 18, 2026 02:58 PM IST
The Particular Investigation Group (SIT) constituted to probe the alleged monetary irregularities involving money and choices collected by way of thali bhent at Badrinath Dham has arrested an official, the second accused alleged to be concerned within the case.
In keeping with the police, an FIR was registered at Badrinath Police Station following a grievance. In the course of the preliminary investigation, and on the idea of obtainable proof, the police arrested the named accused, Pramod Nautiyal, on July 12. He’s presently in judicial custody.
Police stated that the SIT performed an in depth evaluation of CCTV footage from the thali bhent counting room throughout a number of dates and recorded statements of witnesses. “The investigation revealed that Rajendra Chauhan, a everlasting worker of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and the then temple officer and in control of the providing plate counting course of, allegedly conspired with Pramod Nautiyal to misappropriate a part of the money and different choices acquired throughout the counting course of,” police stated in a communication.
The CCTV footage from June 22, 25 and 29, allegedly reveals Rajendra Chauhan on a number of events putting bundles of Rs 500 notes, donated gadgets and jewelry into his pockets. Primarily based on the digital proof and different materials collected, Part 61(2)(a) of the BNS was added to the case, and Rajendra Chauhan was recognized as a co-accused.
A police workforce introduced Rajendra Chauhan from Jyotirmath to Badrinath Police Station for questioning on July 17, following which he was arrested.
Nautiyal was arrested after the investigation revealed that, at totally different occasions, he allegedly eliminated Rs 500 foreign money notes, packets containing gold and silver cash, 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 motion by suspending Nautiyal. In keeping with the order issued by the committee, a show-cause discover was served to Nautiyal on July 3, after allegations of irregularities within the discharge of his official duties got here to mild.
