Dehradun: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday arrested former temple officer Rajendra Chauhan in connection with its investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at Shri Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand.

Chauhan, one of the key suspects in the case, was arrested after nearly four hours of questioning and will be produced before a court on Saturday, officials said.

The arrest follows the SIT's examination of CCTV footage that allegedly shows Chauhan collecting bundles of cash and placing them in his pocket during the counting of temple donations on June 22, June 25 and June 29.

Investigators had summoned Chauhan for questioning based on the footage, which forms a key part of the evidence in the ongoing probe into the alleged theft of donation money from the temple.

The development comes a day after the four-member inquiry committee constituted by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) submitted its 18-page internal report to the SIT.

The report recommended stricter safeguards during the counting of donations, including introducing a dress code for staff involved in the process and installing CCTV cameras in uncovered areas and within the counting centre to strengthen surveillance.

Meanwhile, the SIT has identified more suspects after reviewing CCTV footage recorded on June 25 and June 29. Uttarakhand Police said additional individuals seen in the footage will be questioned as the investigation progresses.

The BKTC has already handed over its internal inquiry report to the SIT as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Badrinath temple. Investigators are continuing to examine CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the extent of the alleged misappropriation and the involvement of those under scrutiny.