- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sun, 02 Aug 2026 12:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- SIT awaits FSL report on Badrinath temple's missing CCTV DVR.
- Prime accused Pramod Nautiyal confessed to donation theft, under scrutiny.
- Inquiry committee questions temple staff, probes VIP protocol irregularities.
Badrinath Donation Theft Case: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of offerings at Badrinath Dham is awaiting the recovery of the CCTV system's Digital Video Recorder (DVR), which has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Dehradun for examination.
Investigators are also waiting for the findings of a three-member inquiry committee headed by Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup. As part of the probe, the commissioner has summoned two accountants from the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and personnel associated with the temple's Tosakhna (treasury) for questioning.
During police remand, the prime accused, personal assistant Pramod Nautiyal, allegedly admitted to his involvement in the theft of donations. Following his confession, the SIT has begun scrutinising his bank accounts and records related to land purchases and sales. Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Panwar said investigators also suspect the involvement of other staff members, adding that the full extent of the alleged conspiracy will become clear during the course of the investigation.
According to officials, the temple treasury has already been matched with this year's donation records, while financial documents from previous years are now being examined. The SIT is hopeful that the missing DVR data will provide crucial evidence in the case.
The investigation has also raised questions over missing CCTV footage. While the BKTC initially claimed that 45 days of surveillance footage had been preserved, it later informed investigators that only 13 days of recordings could be provided, stating that the remaining 32 days were lost due to technical issues.
Meanwhile, the inquiry committee has recorded statements from the temple officer in charge and three VIP protocol officials. Sources said the officials held Pramod Nautiyal responsible for irregularities in the temple's VIP and VVIP protocol system. They reportedly claimed that VIP access was approved solely on Nautiyal's authorisation and that protocol-related fees were collected under his instructions.
The commissioner has also sought statements from BKTC accountants and Tosakhna staff. The Tosakhna stores temple offerings, including puja materials, sandalwood, saffron, donated clothes and other items. Donated clothes are later distributed to devotees as prasad at a nominal price.