Chamoli: The investigation into the alleged financial irregularities in the counting of offerings at Badrinath Temple has widened, with police now examining the temple’s renowned “Kubera’s Treasury.” Investigators have sought donation records from the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) for the past three years to verify cash collections as well as valuable offerings made by devotees.
According to officials, the inquiry will include a detailed audit of cash, gold, silver, diamonds, rubies, and other precious ornaments donated at the temple. After counting, the contents collected from the temple’s 26 donation boxes are stored in separate secure boxes and recorded in official registers. This repository is popularly referred to as Kubera’s Treasury, and its records will now undergo a comprehensive verification.
Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Panwar said that a specialist accountant has been deputed to Badrinath to assist with the financial audit. The expert will cross-check the inventory of cash and precious valuables stored in the temple treasury against the official records to identify any discrepancies.
Court Denies Police Custody of Main Accused
Meanwhile, the police’s request for the custody remand of the main accused, Pramod Nautiyal, was rejected by the court. Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Singh Bisht confirmed that the remand plea was not approved, and the investigation will continue based on the available evidence.
Former Temple Officer Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody
In a related development, former BKTC temple officer Rajendra Chauhan, who was arrested on Friday, has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody by the court.
The order was passed by the court of Acting Judicial Magistrate Heena Kausar at Jyotirmath after examining the case records and the evidence presented by the police. Earlier, on July 13, the court had also remanded the main accused, Pramod Nautiyal, to judicial custody.
Police officials said the investigation is continuing, and further legal action will be taken if additional evidence or individuals are found to be linked to the alleged financial irregularities.
