Badrinath Scam: SIT Speeds Up Action

In a major development in the Badrinath temple donation misappropriation case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has made its first arrest. BKTC official Pramod Nautiyal was taken into custody in Dehradun on July 12 and later brought to Badrinath for further investigation. The Uttarakhand government had ordered a probe after allegations of irregularities in temple donations surfaced, triggering widespread concern among devotees.

The controversy first came to light on July 2, following accusations of discrepancies in the counting of offerings at the shrine. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami handed over the case to the SIT for a detailed inquiry. A four-member independent committee has also submitted its report, reportedly including CCTV footage, staff statements, and details of inconsistencies in donation records. The issue gained political traction after a letter alleging donation theft went viral, sparking outrage among the public and calls for accountability.