Former Badrinath Temple Official Arrested in Alleged Donation Theft Case

In a significant development, Rajendra Chauhan, a former official of the Badrinath Temple, has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for his alleged involvement in the theft of donations. The SIT's investigation, which included a thorough analysis of CCTV footage, identified Chauhan as a key suspect. The footage reportedly shows him taking cash on multiple occasions. As the investigation unfolds, additional suspects have been identified, and the SIT continues to gather evidence. This case has raised serious concerns regarding the management of donations at the temple, prompting further scrutiny of the temple's administration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 16:11 IST

Arrest of Rajendra Chauhan

Rajendra Chauhan, a former official of the Badrinath Temple, has been apprehended by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with an alleged theft of donations. Following four hours of questioning, the SIT took him into custody. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 18.

On July 17, the SIT interrogated Chauhan regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds at the Badrinath Temple. Analysis of CCTV footage during the investigation identified him as a primary suspect.

Evidence from CCTV Footage

The CCTV footage reportedly shows Chauhan taking bundles of cash and placing them in his pockets on June 22, 25, and 29. Based on this evidence, the SIT summoned him for questioning as part of their ongoing investigation. Officials are examining the footage and other materials to uncover facts related to the alleged misuse of donations. According to the Uttarakhand police, the SIT has also received an 18-page internal investigation report from the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).

Further Investigations and Suspects

Upon further examination of the CCTV footage from June 25 and 29, additional suspects have been identified, who may be questioned in the coming days. The police indicated that these new suspects appeared in the footage, prompting the SIT to expand their inquiries. The SIT has obtained complete CCTV footage from June 29 and July 2, which will be analyzed alongside the previously reviewed footage from June 22 and 25.

Committee Visit to Badrinath

On July 14, a committee established to investigate the alleged theft visited the Badrinath shrine. They reviewed the management of donations, transportation methods, and arrangements made in the counting room. Meanwhile, the SIT has also questioned the temple's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sohan Singh Rangad, and his personal assistant, Atul Dimri, regarding potential oversights in supervision.