Operation Kalanemi Leads to Arrest of 14 Individuals for Alleged Fake Baba Activities in Uttarakhand

Under Operation Kalanemi, Uttarakhand Police have arrested 14 individuals accused of being fake babas involved in cheating and religious conversion. The operation has questioned over 5,500 people since its inception in July.

Authorities in Uttarakhand have arrested 14 individuals as part of Operation Kalanemi, targeting fake spiritual leaders accused of fraud and religious conversion. The operation, initiated by the state government, has involved questioning over 5,500 people. Inspector General of Police Crime and Law and Order Nilesh Anand Bharane stated that preventive measures were taken against 1,182 individuals.

In Haridwar, police scrutinised 2,704 individuals, leading to three arrests. Meanwhile, in Dehradun, 922 people were checked, resulting in five arrests. The operation also extended to other districts such as Tehri, Pauri, Almora, and Nainital. Bharane highlighted the operation's success in maintaining the sanctity of Devbhoomi.

Operation Kalanemi's Progress

The campaign began in July and by August had led to the arrest of 300 people after questioning 4,000 individuals. Bharane noted that some of those arrested are Bangladeshi nationals. The operation is named after Kalanemi, a demon from Hindu epics who disguised himself as a holy man to deceive Lord Hanuman.

One notable arrest involved a Bangladeshi citizen posing as a Bengali doctor named Amit Kumar in Selaqui for eight years using fake documents. Another arrest was Ifraz Ahmed Lolu from Anantnag, Kashmir. He allegedly deceived women by pretending to be a wealthy Delhi resident named Raj Ahuja.

Maintaining Devbhoomi's Sanctity

Bharane emphasised the operation's role in preserving Uttarakhand's sacred image. The initiative aims to address concerns about fraudulent activities by individuals posing as religious figures. The police continue to monitor and take action across various districts to ensure public safety and uphold cultural integrity.

The operation has been described as achieving significant success with a large number of people questioned. This effort reflects the state's commitment to tackling fraudulent practices and protecting its cultural heritage from exploitation by deceitful individuals.

With inputs from PTI