Uttarakhand Police Arrest 14, Including Bangladeshi National, in Crackdown on 'Fake Babas'
Operation Kalanemi: A Targeted Crackdown
Launched in July 2025, 'Operation Kalanemi'—named after a demon from the Hindu epic Ramayana who disguised himself as a sage to deceive—targets individuals posing as spiritual gurus to perpetrate fraud, religious conversions, and other criminal activities. Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law and Order) Nilesh Anand Bharane announced during a press conference in Dehradun that the operation has questioned over 5,500 individuals across the state, with preventive action taken against 1,182 and 14 arrests made so far.
The operation has been particularly active during the Char Dham Yatra and Kanwar Yatra, when such imposters reportedly exploit the influx of pilgrims.Among the arrested is a Bangladeshi national living in Selaqui, Dehradun, under the alias Amit Kumar, posing as a Bengali doctor for eight years using forged documents.
Another individual, Ifraz Ahmed Lolu from Anantnag, Kashmir, was apprehended for posing as a wealthy Delhi businessman named Raj Ahuja to deceive women.Some cases also involve Nepali-origin individuals and others from border states who forged documents to exploit government schemes.
Scale and Scope of the Operation
The police have conducted extensive checks across districts, with Haridwar seeing 2,704 individuals questioned and three arrests, while Dehradun recorded 922 verifications and five arrests. Other districts, including Tehri, Pauri, Almora, and Nainital, are also under scrutiny.
The operation employs advanced measures like AI surveillance and facial recognition cameras in Haridwar, alongside Aadhaar verification at checkpoints to identify imposters.IGP Bharane noted that some cases involve serious allegations, including links to terror activities and forced religious conversions, particularly targeting women.
In July, an earlier phase of the operation saw 25 arrests in Dehradun, including another Bangladeshi national, Rukn Rakam alias Shah Alam, who was detained in Sahaspur.
By August, the operation had led to 300 arrests after questioning 4,000 people, underscoring its intensity.
The police have registered 20 FIRs, with legal action taken under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Foreigners Act for cases involving foreign nationals.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The operation has garnered support from Hindu religious groups, including the Juna Akhara and Akhanda Parshuram Akhada, who have called for stringent verification of sadhus’ identities to protect the sanctity of Sanatan Dharma.
Ravindra Puri, President of Akhil Bharatiya Parishad, emphasized that only genuine saints should represent Hinduism, condemning imposters who tarnish the reputation of revered sadhus.Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt also endorsed the campaign, stressing the need to curb elements that disrupt social harmony.
The state government has issued a stern warning, likening modern imposters to the demon Kalanemi, who misled people by posing as a sage. “Just as Kalanemi attempted to deceive, numerous ‘Kalnemis’ are active in society today, committing crimes under religious guise,” a government statement declared, vowing the “severest possible action
Public and Political Response
The crackdown has sparked varied reactions. On social media platforms like X, many have praised the Uttarakhand Police for safeguarding the state’s cultural heritage, with posts commending CM Dhami’s decisive action.However, some voices caution against overgeneralization, urging authorities to ensure that genuine spiritual practitioners are not unfairly targeted. Critics have also raised concerns about the operation’s focus on foreign nationals, calling for transparency in legal proceedings to avoid communal tensions.
Looking Forward
Operation Kalanemi is set to continue, with police intensifying efforts during religious pilgrimages to prevent further exploitation. SSP Ajay Singh emphasized that the campaign will remain active, particularly in light of the ongoing Char Dham and Kanwar Yatras, which attract millions of devotees.The operation underscores Uttarakhand’s commitment to preserving its spiritual identity while addressing the challenges posed by fraudulent networks operating under the guise of religion.
As investigations proceed, the Uttarakhand Police are expected to release further details on the identities and charges against those arrested, shedding light on the extent of this interstate and international issue. For now, Operation Kalanemi stands as a bold step toward protecting public trust and the sanctity of Devbhoomi
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