
Under a statewide crackdown in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has initiated 'Operation Kalanemi' (Kalanemi is a demon from Hindu mythology), arresting sadhus deceiving as religious figures, who are exploiting religious faith for their personal gain, as reported by PTI. As many as 34 fake sadhus were arrested on Sunday, taking the total count to 82 with the latest arrests in three days.
Chief Minister Dhami had ordered the arrests on Thursday, intending to identify and prosecute the impostors. According to PTI, the Dehradun Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ajay Singh, had confirmed that multiple police teams have been deployed in the state to initiate action with inputs received on such fraudulent activities. He said, "Action is being taken at locations where inputs are received about such impostors, playing with people's sentiments. 34 individuals were arrested on Sunday, 23 of whom were from other states. Legal proceedings have been initiated under relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)."
Among those arrested, one apprehended individual is a Bangladeshi national, Rukn Rakam, alias Shah Alam, who was arrested from the Sahaspur area on Friday.
These fraudulent activities are on the rise during the Char Dham and Kanwar Yatra in Uttarakhand, when these individuals disguise themselves as saints and holy men to exploit devotees, especially children and young people who want solutions for various personal and domestic problems. SSP Ajay Singh added that the operation will ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the state.
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindu bodies are backing the operation, calling for the need for strong enforcement and strict punishment against these individuals. The Uttarakhand Government will continue with the operation, taking action against those who misuse the religion.