Dehradun: In a major crackdown on 'fake babas', the Uttarakhand Police have arrested a total of 82 individuals impersonating as sadhus and saints under 'Operation Kalanemi' in Dehradun, officials said.
'Operation Kalanemi' was launched on Thursday after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's orders to take strict action against those who exploited people's beliefs, Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh was quoted saying by Hindustan Times.
"Multiple teams have been formed, and action is being taken at locations where inputs are received about such impostors playing with people's sentiments," Singh added.
Operation Named After Demon
The operation is named after the 'asur' (demon) Kalanemi, who tried to mislead people by disguising as a saint.
Notably, a Bangladeshi national, Rukn Rakam alias Shah Alam, was also among those nabbed on Friday from Dehradun's Sahaspur area.
Hindu religious outfits reportedly welcomed the state government's action against fake saints.
Manipulated Women & Youth
Police have revealed that many of the arrested individuals were involved in manipulating women and youth by offering fake rituals, astrology services, and spiritual remedies to resolve marital issues or cure ailments through supernatural means.
The operation is being personally monitored by SSP Ajay Singh, with district-level officers directed to intensify checks at religious sites, ashrams, and public gatherings.
