In a significant crackdown, Uttarakhand Police have arrested 14 individuals posing as fake spiritual leaders, or 'babas,' under 'Operation Kalanemi,' aimed at curbing fraud and religious conversions. The operation, launched in July 2025, targets those exploiting people's faith in the holy state of Uttarakhand, known as 'Devbhoomi' (Land of Gods). Authorities revealed the details on Monday, September 8, 2025, as reported by NDTV.
Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law & Order) Nilesh Anand Bharane stated in a press conference that over 5,500 people have been questioned statewide, with preventive actions taken against 1,182 individuals. Among the arrests, several are Bangladeshi nationals using forged documents. In August, the operation had already led to 300 arrests after interrogating 4,000 people.
The drive began in July on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, named after the demon Kalanemi from Hindu epics who disguised himself as a sage to deceive others. It has achieved notable success, with specific checks in Haridwar yielding three arrests out of 2,704 verifications, and five arrests from 922 checks in Dehradun. Operations continue in districts like Tehri, Pauri, Almora, and Nainital to preserve the state's sacred image.
Bharane highlighted two key cases: A Bangladeshi citizen had been living in Selaqui for eight years as a fake Bengali doctor named 'Amit Kumar' using bogus papers. Another arrestee, Ifraz Ahmed Lolu from Anantnag, Kashmir, allegedly posed as a wealthy Delhi businessman 'Raj Ahuja' to build relationships with women while hiding his religion.
The operation focuses on protecting Uttarakhand's cultural and religious heritage during peak pilgrimage seasons like Char Dham Yatra and Kanwar Yatra, where such impostors are more active.
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