Devendra Rawat, Gopeshwar (Chamoli): The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Badrinath Dham has intensified following the arrest of Pramod Nautiyal, the personal assistant to the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).
BKTC Treasurer Sandesh Mehta has been removed from his post and served a notice.
Furthermore, a joint investigation by the temple committee and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has confirmed the involvement of four additional individuals, including three BKTC employees and one devotee.
According to a report by Jagran.com, notices are currently being issued to the three employees, while authorities are preparing to interrogate the devotee.
Garhwal Commissioner Reviews Investigation, Overwriting Found In Silver Records
The high-level investigation committee led by Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop arrived in Badrinath on Tuesday to review the progress from both the investigation committees. The commissioner inspected the counting site, reviewed the counting process and recorded statements from the temple staff. He also directed the temple committee to submit the complete counting records through the Jyotirmath Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
During a review of the documents with the SIT In-charge DSP Madan Bisht and BKTC CEO Sohan Singh Rangad, the Garhwal Commissioner found overwriting in silver records. Following this, the BKTC removed the concerned employee from the cashier’s position and transferred him to the puja counter. The SIT and the temple committee are currently focusing on the counting process conducted between June 25 and July 2.
Meanwhile, sources stated that CCTV footage from the June 25 counting session captured a devotee putting some material in his pocket. The individual, who works at the Vishnuprayag project and frequently participates in the counting process, has been identified.
The ongoing investigation could implicate more officials and employees. The silence of certain officials regarding the embezzlement has put their roles under scrutiny.
Badrinath Dham Has 26 Donation Boxes, Not 5
In contrast to previous reports suggesting the Badrinath Dham has only five donation boxes, it has been revealed that the shrine has a total of 26 donation boxes. This includes two boxes inside the main sanctum, three within the temple complex, and 21 at other locations, including the Singhdwar.
All 26 boxes are emptied and counted simultaneously. These boxes are emptied in the presence of the temple officer and the assistant temple officer before the donations are counted.
BKTC Treasurer Removed; Security Tightened At Donation Counting Site
Speaking to Jagran.com, BKTC CEO stated that Treasurer Sandesh Mehta has been removed from his post and served a notice. At the same time, the committee is implementing several key recommendations by the Garhwal Commissioner to enhance transparency in the donation counting process.
Under this, the counting site will be restructured with half of the area covered in glass and the other half in wire mesh. A gate will be installed, and security personnel will be deployed.