Badrinath Donation Misappropriation Case: Former Temple Committee Officer Arrested in Major SIT Crackdown.

Gopeshwar (Chamoli): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of offerings at the revered Badrinath Dham has made another significant breakthrough. On Friday, the SIT arrested Rajendra Singh Chauhan, the former Temple Officer of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), marking the second major arrest in the high-profile investigation. The case, which involves allegations of financial irregularities in donations made by devotees at one of India's holiest shrines, has prompted an extensive probe into the temple's administrative and financial operations. Former Temple Officer Arrested After Hours of Questioning According to police sources, Rajendra Singh Chauhan was summoned by the SIT for questioning on Friday. Investigators reportedly questioned him for nearly four hours regarding his role in the handling of temple offerings and related administrative procedures. Officials stated that during the interrogation, they found inconsistencies in his statements. Based on these discrepancies, along with evidence gathered during the investigation, the SIT took Chauhan into custody and later formally arrested him. The arrest represents another important development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations collected at the temple. Recently Retired Official Rajendra Singh Chauhan had retired from his position as Temple Officer on June 30 this year. His arrest only weeks after retirement has drawn attention within the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee and among officials associated with the temple administration. The development has intensified scrutiny of financial management practices within the committee as investigators continue to examine the alleged irregularities. Investigation So Far The alleged financial misconduct involving temple offerings has already resulted in multiple actions by investigators and the temple administration. First Arrest Earlier, the SIT arrested Pramod Nautiyal, a personal assistant employed by the BKTC. He was taken into custody and later remanded to judicial custody as part of the investigation. Second Arrest The arrest of former Temple Officer Rajendra Singh Chauhan marks the second major enforcement action in the case, indicating that investigators are widening the scope of the inquiry. Departmental Action Following the discovery of the alleged irregularities, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee also initiated internal disciplinary measures by removing Chief Treasurer Sandeep Mehta from his position with immediate effect. Investigation Expanding Further Police and SIT officials have indicated that the investigation is entering a more comprehensive phase. Information and documents obtained during Chauhan's questioning are being examined alongside financial records and other evidence. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, comparing bank account transactions, and analyzing financial records to determine whether additional officials or employees of the temple committee may have been involved in the alleged misappropriation. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests or questioning as the investigation progresses. More Notices Likely Officials have stated that additional individuals connected to the temple administration may soon receive notices requiring them to appear for questioning. The SIT is continuing to gather documentary evidence and verify financial transactions before deciding on further legal action. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have emphasized that the inquiry aims to establish accountability and determine the full extent of any alleged financial misconduct involving temple offerings. The allegations are subject to investigation, and the legal process will determine individual responsibility.