SIT Files 1,000-Page Charge Sheet in Badrinath Offerings Theft Case
A Special Investigation Team has filed a nearly 1,000-page charge sheet naming three accused in the alleged theft of offerings at Badrinath temple, and a Jyotirmath court has taken cognisance of the case.
Current Summary
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has completed its probe into the alleged theft of offerings at Badrinath temple and filed a nearly 1,000-page charge sheet before a court, naming three accused: Pramod Nautiyal, then a protocol officer; Rajendra Singh Chauhan, a retired temple officer; and security guard Manoj Kumar. The charge sheet, submitted on Friday, is based on statements from 50 witnesses. In-charge Judicial Magistrate Hina Kauser at the Jyotirmath court reviewed the prosecution's charge sheet and supporting records, found a prima facie case against all three, and took cognisance of the charges. According to the prosecution, Nautiyal and Chauhan, who were responsible for depositing cash and gifts from the temple's donation trays into the temple committee's account, allegedly conspired to divert part of the offerings for personal use. Kumar is separately accused of stealing offerings during counting; the allegedly stolen items were recovered from him along with money said to have come from their sale. Nautiyal and Chauhan are currently lodged in Pauri district jail. The next hearing is scheduled for October 22. The allegations are yet to be tested at trial.
What We Know
- SIT filed a nearly 1,000-page charge sheet on Friday based on statements from 50 witnesses.
- Three accused named: Pramod Nautiyal (then protocol officer), Rajendra Singh Chauhan (retired temple officer), and Manoj Kumar (security guard).
- A Jyotirmath court, under In-charge Judicial Magistrate Hina Kauser, took cognisance of the charges after finding a prima facie case.
- Nautiyal and Chauhan are alleged to have diverted part of the temple's cash and offerings for personal use.
- Kumar is accused of stealing offerings during counting; allegedly stolen items and proceeds from their sale were recovered from him.
- Nautiyal and Chauhan are currently lodged in Pauri district jail.
- Next hearing is scheduled for October 22.
What Is Still Unclear
- The total value of offerings allegedly misappropriated.
- The timeframe over which the alleged theft occurred.
- Trial outcome, as the allegations are yet to be tested in court.
What Changed
- 10 Oct, 09:00 pmSignal detected: SIT Files 1,000-Page Charge Sheet in Badrinath Offerings Theft Case