Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Leads Operation Kalanemi, Arresting 199 Fake Saints Across Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar

Uttarakhand has launched 'Operation Kalanemi' under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to identify and arrest individuals impersonating saints and exploiting public faith. The initiative targets fake babas who deceive women, youth, and children, often misusing religious attire. Since its inception, the operation has resulted in the detention of nearly 199 imposters across various districts including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar. Notably, 82 fake babas were arrested in Dehradun and 66 in Udham Singh Nagar. The police emphasize preserving the state's religious and cultural sanctity, particularly during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. Senior police officials have highlighted the importance of maintaining law and order while continuing the crackdown on these fraudulent spiritual figures. The operation has also led to the arrest of a Bangladeshi national among the accused. Authorities have pledged to expand the drive further to curb the exploitation of economically vulnerable populations through religious deception.