Uttarakhand Police have arrested a security guard in connection with the alleged theft of offerings and donations from Shri Badrinath Temple, marking another development in the Special Investigation Team’s inquiry. The accused was identified as Manoj Kumar, who worked at the Lam Bagad hydroelectric project barrage operated by JP Power Ventures Limited near Joshimath. Police said cash, jewellery and several metal objects allegedly linked to the theft were recovered from his residence.

An FIR had earlier been registered at Kotwali Shri Badrinath following allegations that offerings were stolen from the temple’s Thali Bhent Counting Room. Two employees of the temple committee had already been arrested and sent to judicial custody in connection with the case. As part of the continuing investigation, the SIT closely reviewed CCTV recordings from June 25 and June 29 and allegedly noticed a man repeatedly removing objects from the donation material and placing them in his pocket.

Investigators questioned temple committee employees about the person seen in the footage and identified him as Manoj Kumar. Although employed as a security guard at the Lam Bagad barrage, Kumar was reportedly sent to the temple by project officials to help arrange VIP darshan for guests and relatives of senior company officials. Based on the surveillance footage and other evidence collected during the inquiry, the SIT added Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to the case on August 6.

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The SIT summoned Kumar to the police station for questioning on August 7 and showed him the CCTV recordings from the two dates. According to a police release, he admitted during interrogation that he had taken donation material and apologised for his actions. He allegedly told investigators that some of the stolen objects were stored at his room in Lam Bagad, while others had been sold to pilgrims. Police said part of the money obtained from the alleged sales had been spent, while the remaining amount was kept in his room.

Investigators also examined Kumar’s mobile phone and allegedly discovered photographs of the stolen articles in its recycle bin. According to the release, the pictures showed the objects placed on a bed inside his room after they had been taken from the temple. Kumar was subsequently arrested and taken to his residence at FH-5-I, Room No. 03, in Lam Bagad, where police conducted a recovery operation based on information allegedly provided by him.

The recovered material included two pairs of white-metal toe rings, four white-metal earrings, a yellow-metal nose ring, seven white or copper-coloured coins, two pieces of white metal, a square-shaped white-metal idol and two small bangles. Police also recovered a small coin in a plastic pouch, a bracelet, a small metal rod decorated with a peacock feather and red stone, and ₹6,000 allegedly obtained by selling stolen offerings. The SIT said its investigation remained underway and that additional findings could emerge as officers examine the possible involvement of others.

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