Official caught stealing sacred donations faces swift police arrest

Police in Uttarakhand arrested an official attached to the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee for stealing devotee offerings. Pramod Nautiyal was taken into custody from his Dehradun home late Sunday night by a Special Investigation Team. He stands accused of pocketing cash, gold, and silver from the sacred donation room.

CCTV Uncovers Fraudulent Acts

Temple authorities initiated an inquiry after noticing financial discrepancies during the July 2 counting of plate offerings. Camera footage provided crucial evidence against the suspended employee. Investigators observed him repeatedly taking cash bundles, rare silver coins, and a Shaligram stone. He cleverly hid these valuable items under his mobile phone and slipped them into his pockets before leaving the premises.

Background and Police Action

Historically, high-altitude shrines like Badrinath draw millions of devotees whose generous contributions are vital for maintaining the spiritual infrastructure across the Himalayas. Taking swift action to protect these resources, the temple committee filed a formal police complaint on July 8 at the local station.

Law enforcement subsequently registered an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for criminal breach of trust and theft by a servant. Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Panwar confirmed that investigators gathered substantial proof. The investigative team thoroughly inspected the crime scene, recorded key witness statements, and secured the video records.

Legal Proceedings Begin

Nautiyal previously received a show-cause notice on July 3 before facing immediate suspension from his duties. Seeking relief from the criminal charges, he approached the Uttarakhand High Court on July 10. Judicial authorities have scheduled the next hearing for July 16, asking state representatives to gather detailed instructions to present their case.