SIT Searches Accused's Home In Badrinath Offerings Theft Case, Checks Assets
SIT probes assets in Badrinath theft case.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of offerings from the Badrinath temple has searched the government residence of prime accused Pramod Nautiyal in Dehradun and examined documents related to his bank accounts, land holdings and other assets. The investigation team is attempting to trace the source of recovered items and determine whether they are linked to the alleged theft case. After obtaining a four-day police remand of Nautiyal, the SIT brought him to Dehradun on Wednesday and conducted a detailed search of his official residence.
The search lasted nearly three hours, during which investigators questioned family members about his financial dealings, movable and immovable properties and other assets. Officials said no major incriminating material was found during the initial search. However, documents related to bank accounts, property ownership and financial transactions were examined and may be subjected to further verification as the investigation progresses. Badrinath police station SHO Mahadev Uniyal confirmed that the SIT carried out the search as part of the ongoing probe.
He said investigators examined several documents but no major objectionable item was recovered during the preliminary inspection. The SIT also searched Nautiyal’s government accommodation in Badrinath during the investigation. According to officials, investigators recovered items including silver coins, a silver serpent figurine, another silver idol, two bundles of Nepalese currency notes in denominations of 50 and around ₹5,000 in Indian currency from the room. Investigators are now working to establish the origin of these recovered articles and whether they have any connection with the alleged theft of offerings from the shrine.
Also Read: SIT Demands Three Years Of Badrinath Dham Donation Records In Theft Investigation
Nautiyal is being questioned about the items as well as details related to his financial records. On Thursday, the SIT took Nautiyal to the office of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), where officials examined records in his presence. Investigators questioned him about official documents, financial procedures and other aspects connected to the case. Sources said the investigation team is attempting to reconstruct the sequence of events and compare Nautiyal’s statements with documentary and technical evidence. Officials are also examining whether any other individuals may have played a role in the alleged offence.
The case relates to allegations of theft involving offerings made at Badrinath, one of Uttarakhand’s four Char Dham pilgrimage sites and among India’s most significant religious destinations. The shrine attracts thousands of devotees every year, with offerings forming an important part of temple operations. Police officials said Nautiyal’s custody period will be used to verify financial transactions, analyse records and investigate possible links with other persons. The SIT has maintained that no conclusions will be reached until all evidence is thoroughly examined. Authorities have assured that the investigation will continue in a systematic manner, with all recovered materials and documents being verified before further action is taken in the case.
Also Read: SIT Estimates Rs 6-8 Lakh Siphoned Daily From Ram Temple Funds
