Daijiworld Media Network - Dehradun
Dehradun, Aug 1: The main accused in the alleged theft of offerings from the Badrinath temple has confessed to his involvement during custodial interrogation after being confronted with CCTV footage, video recordings and other electronic evidence, police said.
The accused, Pramod Nautiyal, an employee of the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC), had initially denied any role in the theft. However, after three days of questioning during his four-day police remand, he allegedly admitted to his involvement, investigators said.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) also recovered a gem-studded ceremonial gold crown and several other allegedly stolen temple offerings from Nautiyal's government quarters.
Badrinath Station House Officer Mahadev Uniyal said the accused was interrogated in multiple rounds.
"He admitted before investigators that he was involved in the theft at Badrinath Dham and acknowledged that he had made a grave mistake," the officer said.
During searches, the SIT recovered cash, gold ornaments, a Shaligram stone, a silver idol, a silver serpent, Nepalese currency and other valuables from the accused's official residence. Investigators had earlier recovered the missing ceremonial crown adorned with precious stones.
Police said the recoveries, along with electronic and digital evidence, formed the basis of the interrogation that led to the alleged confession. However, officials have not disclosed the estimated value of the recovered offerings or specified when the items were allegedly stolen.
Investigators said several aspects of the case are still under examination. Although Nautiyal has reportedly admitted his involvement, he has not revealed whether he acted alone or named any accomplices who may have helped remove or conceal the temple property.
An SIT official said investigators are examining the possibility of a wider conspiracy and that action would be taken against anyone whose involvement is established through evidence.
After completion of the remand period, Nautiyal was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody at Pursari Jail in Chamoli district. The SIT said it may seek his custody again if new evidence emerges or further interrogation becomes necessary.
The alleged theft has attracted widespread attention as it involves offerings made by devotees at one of Uttarakhand's most revered Hindu shrines. The incident has also raised concerns over the handling, storage and security of valuables entrusted to the temple administration.
The SIT said the investigation is continuing, with forensic and electronic evidence being cross-verified with witness statements and recovery records. Police are also examining how the accused allegedly gained access to the offerings and whether existing security protocols were bypassed or manipulated.