SIT arrests ex temple officer in Badrinath donation theft

A former temple officer has been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of donations at the revered Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand. Rajendra Chauhan was taken into custody on July 17 after nearly four hours of questioning and was produced before a court on July 18.

The arrest by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is based on CCTV footage that allegedly shows Chauhan repeatedly placing bundles of currency notes into his pockets inside the temple's donation counting room on specific dates in June. Investigators said the footage captured suspicious activities on June 22, June 25, and June 29. Police described the footage as a key part of the evidence, showing Chauhan collecting cash bundles during the counting process.

The investigation intensified following Chauhan's arrest, with the SIT examining the potential involvement of other employees who worked in the counting room. Authorities have also identified additional suspects after reviewing the footage from June 25 and June 29, and said these individuals will be questioned as the probe continues.

This case has revealed significant procedural gaps. A separate, four-member inquiry committee constituted by the...