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Gopeshwar, 17 July 2026: The Special Investigation Team probing the case of mishandling of gifts and offerings offered to the deity at Badrinath Dham has got another major success.

In its second important step in this case, the SIT has arrested former temple official of Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC), Rajendra Singh Chauhan.

Took into custody after intensive interrogation

According to police sources, former temple official Rajendra Singh Chauhan was called for questioning on Friday.

After about four hours of intensive and strict interrogation, finding contradictions in his statements and evidence of his involvement, the SIT took him into custody and then registered his arrest.

Recently retired: The arrested accused Rajendra Singh Chauhan had retired on June 30 this year. These steps taken just a few days after his retirement have created a stir among the temple committee and the officials concerned.

Main steps taken so far in this case

Several strict measures have been taken after incidents of alleged financial irregularities and theft to offerings at Badrinath Dham came to light.

First arrest: In this famous case, SIT has arrested Pramod Nautiyal, a personal assistant (PA) employee of BKTC and sent him to jail.

Second arrest: Today, another major success has been achieved in the investigation with the arrest of former temple official Rajendra Singh Chauhan.

Departmental proceedings: As soon as the irregularities came to light, the temple committee took immediate action and removed Chief Treasurer Sandeep Mehta from his post with immediate effect.

SIT’s next step

Police and SIT officials say that the scope of investigation is being expanded on the basis of information and documents received from the former officer.

Along with verifying the CCTV footage along with the bank accounts, a thorough investigation is also going on to find out whether any other prominent persons or employees of the temple committee are involved in this scam.

Notices may also be sent to some other people soon for questioning.

Read more: In Maharashtra, a teacher along with two children committed suicide by drowning his car in the river, all three died.