SIT Demands Three Years Of Badrinath Dham Donation Records In Theft Investigation

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Chamoli police investigating the alleged Badrinath Dham donation theft case has sought donation records from the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) for the past three years. Officials said the move is part of efforts to examine financial transactions and determine whether more people were involved in the alleged irregularities. Badrinath police officials said the investigation is still at an early stage and teams are examining available evidence.

Badrinath Station House Officer Mahadev Uniyal said the SIT has asked the temple committee to provide donation records covering the last three years to assist the probe. "We have asked the BKTC to provide the donation record of the last three years," Uniyal said, adding that investigators are reviewing evidence collected during the inquiry. The police have so far arrested two accused persons in connection with the alleged theft. Officials said arrests were made after investigators found concrete evidence linking the accused to the case.

However, the SIT is also examining the possibility of involvement of additional people. The investigation gained momentum after the arrest of retired BKTC temple officer Rajendra Chauhan on Friday. Police alleged that Chauhan stole cash from the counting room on three occasions before his retirement on June 30. During a raid at Chauhan’s accommodation allotted near the Badrinath temple, police officials said they recovered foreign currency and other assets.

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Investigators are examining whether the recovered items have any connection with the alleged theft. The SIT is now analysing financial records, statements and other evidence to establish the complete sequence of events. Officials said gathering evidence against additional suspects could take time as the investigation involves examination of records and verification of multiple details. The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee manages administrative affairs of the famous Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, which attract thousands of devotees every year.

Donations collected at these temples are an important part of religious administration and are maintained through official procedures. The alleged theft case has raised concerns regarding the security and monitoring of donation handling processes at the temple. Authorities are now focusing on strengthening the investigation and identifying whether any procedural lapses contributed to the incident. Police officials have maintained that the inquiry will continue until all aspects of the case are examined.

The SIT is expected to analyse the donation records, recoveries and statements from individuals connected with the temple administration before reaching further conclusions. As the investigation progresses, authorities are likely to question additional people and verify financial details to determine the extent of the alleged wrongdoing. The police have said that action will be taken against anyone found involved based on available evidence.

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