Following the directives of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, “Operation Kalanemi” has been launched to combat impersonators who deceive individuals in the name of religion, manipulating their emotions and beliefs in Devbhoomi.

As stated by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh, those arrested were reportedly exploiting people’s religious sentiments and were engaged in defrauding unsuspecting victims.

The SSP mentioned, “As part of this initiative, police conducted operations in various police station jurisdictions on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of 23 fake babas masquerading as saints and sadhus. Among those apprehended, 10 individuals hail from other states.”

The Chief Minister has mandated the identification of all such individuals and the implementation of stringent measures against them. In line with this initiative, Dehradun Police arrested 23 individuals impersonating sadhus across different areas of the district on Saturday.

“In accordance with the directives, all station in-charges have been tasked with identifying individuals in their respective jurisdictions who disguise themselves as saints to mislead the public, particularly women and youth, enticing them with promises to resolve their personal or domestic issues, thereby committing fraud, and to take decisive action against them.”

Meanwhile, Hindu religious organizations have expressed their support for the Uttarakhand Government’s ‘Op Kalanemi’ aimed at targeting fraudulent seers.

‘Operation Kalanemi’ is a campaign against anti-social elements who are damaging religious sentiments and deceiving people under the guise of ‘Sanatan Dharma’ by pretending to be seers, and they have called for stringent measures against such impostors.

Ravindra Puri, President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, endorsed this decision and emphasized the need for strict action against those who defraud Kanwariyas.

Puri stated, “The Kanwar procession is taking place in Haridwar, and we appreciate the Chief Minister’s decision and express our gratitude to him as well… The fraudulent saints solicit money from Kanwariyas, deceive them, and verbally abuse those who refuse to comply; these individuals should face stringent measures… Our Chief Minister envisions a secure Uttarakhand, and we stand united with him in ensuring justice for all Kanwariyas and everyone else.

The president of Akhand Parshuram Akhada emphasized that the Aadhar cards of these imposters need to be verified, and appropriate actions should be initiated against them.

“We support this initiative… There are certain fake seers who tarnish the reputation of our esteemed saints; the Aadhar cards of such imposters should be scrutinized… As India approaches its goal of becoming Vishwaguru, it is essential that only genuine saints are present… Some of these fraudulent seers have committed offenses, and it is imperative that action is taken against them…” he remarked.

State BJP President Mahendra Bhatt pointed out that there are individuals who attempt to disrupt societal harmony, and strict measures should be enforced against them.

“Certain criminal elements seek to undermine the social fabric. It is crucial for everyone to adhere to the laws established by the government… Numerous individuals aim to disturb society, and they will face strict repercussions…” Bhatt stated.