Dehradun: In a major breakthrough in the alleged Badrinath Temple donation theft case, the Uttarakhand Police has arrested Pramod Nautiyal, the prime accused and a suspended employee of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). The arrest, made from his residence in Dehradun on Sunday night, marks the first major action in the high-profile investigation into the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ offerings at one of India’s holiest shrines.
Taken to Badrinath for Detailed Interrogation
Following his arrest, Nautiyal was taken to Badrinath Dham, where investigators are questioning him over alleged irregularities in the handling and counting of temple donations. Police officials believe his interrogation could provide crucial leads into the suspected diversion of cash and valuables donated by pilgrims.
Dehradun – SIT arrests Pramod Nautiyal in Badrinath donation theft case.
He denies any wrongdoing. pic.twitter.com/6RRLN1bDgM
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) July 13, 2026
CCTV Footage Allegedly Shows Theft
According to investigators, CCTV footage collected during the probe allegedly shows Nautiyal repeatedly entering and exiting the temple’s donation-counting room before heading to his office. Police claim the footage also shows him allegedly removing cash, gold and silver coins from the donation collection and handing over envelopes suspected to contain money. These visuals have become a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Suspended After Internal Inquiry
Nautiyal served as the Personal Assistant to the Chairman of the BKTC, the statutory body responsible for managing the Badrinath Temple and several other prominent shrines in Uttarakhand.
He was suspended after a preliminary inquiry by a four-member BKTC committee reportedly found prima facie evidence of financial irregularities linked to temple donations. An FIR was subsequently registered against him, while the Uttarakhand government also constituted a separate high-level committee to independently investigate the allegations.
High Court Hearing on July 17
Nautiyal has challenged both his suspension and the FIR before the Uttarakhand High Court, arguing against the action taken by the authorities. The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing on July 17, even as the criminal investigation continues.
Temple Donation Management Under Fresh Scrutiny
The alleged embezzlement has triggered renewed concerns over the security and transparency of donation management at major religious institutions. The controversy comes amid heightened public attention on the handling of temple funds across the country, prompting calls for stricter oversight, stronger surveillance systems and greater financial accountability in religious trusts.
