Pushkar Singh Dhami and Shri Yatindranand Giri Ji Maharaj
Dehradun – A bold initiative by the Uttarakhand government, dubbed Operation Kaalnemi, is making waves across the state as authorities intensify efforts to root out individuals posing as spiritual leaders to deceive the public. Launched on July 10 under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the campaign targets impostors who exploit religious sentiments, particularly during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra and Kanwar Yatra, when millions of pilgrims flock to sacred sites like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
A Mission to Protect Faith
The operation takes its name from Hindu mythology, where Kaalnemi was a demon who disguised himself as a saint to mislead Lord Hanuman. Much like its namesake, Operation Kaalnemi aims to unmask those who hide behind religious attire to commit fraud, financial scams, and even serious crimes like sexual exploitation. Chief Minister Dhami has emphasized that the campaign is not about targeting any religion but about safeguarding the sanctity of Sanatan Dharma and protecting the trust of devotees.
“People in Uttarakhand are simple and deeply spiritual. It’s heartbreaking to see anti-social elements take advantage of their faith,” Dhami said in a recent statement. “We’ve given strict orders to identify and act against these impostors. No one who exploits devotion will be spared.”
Significant Progress in Just Days
Since its launch, Operation Kaalnemi has yielded impressive results. According to the latest updates, Uttarakhand police have arrested over 259 individuals across the state, with 144 in Dehradun, 65 in Udham Singh Nagar, and 50 in Haridwar. Among those detained was a Bangladeshi national, Rukn Rakam alias Shah Alam, apprehended in Dehradun’s Sahaspur area on July 11. Authorities discovered he was illegally residing in India, posing as a sadhu to deceive locals.
Inspector General Nilesh Anand Bharne told reporters, “We’re conducting thorough verifications to ensure only genuine spiritual practitioners remain free to carry out their work. So far, we’ve questioned over 1,250 suspects, and the operation is ongoing.” Police teams, often in plain clothes, are patrolling key pilgrimage sites to identify suspicious individuals, focusing on those without proper identification or credible backgrounds.
The campaign has sparked a buzz online, trending on platforms like X, where users are praising the government’s decisive action. Posts describe Operation Kaalnemi as a “reckoning” against those who tarnish the image of genuine sadhus. Spiritual leaders, including Swami Yatindranand Giri of Juna Akhara, have thrown their support behind the initiative. “This is a courageous step by CM Dhami,” Giri said. “It protects our traditions and ensures only authentic practitioners represent Sanatan Dharma.”
Challenges and Controversies
While the operation enjoys widespread support, it’s not without challenges. Some critics argue that the campaign must be careful not to unfairly target genuine ascetics or create distrust among devotees. Authorities have clarified that actions are based strictly on evidence and complaints, ensuring no specific community is singled out. “Our goal is to protect faith, not harm it,” said SSP Ajay Singh of Dehradun, who is overseeing the operation in the capital.
Reports also indicate that many of those arrested were involved in serious crimes, from financial fraud to exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly women. Udham Singh Nagar SSP Manikant Mishra revealed that some impostors had been operating for years, blending into religious gatherings to carry out their schemes. The operation’s timing, coinciding with the busy pilgrimage season, has made it easier to identify such individuals, as they often target large crowds.
What’s Next for Operation Kaalnemi?
As Operation Kaalnemi continues, police plan to expand their efforts to other pilgrimage hubs, including Badrinath and Rishikesh. The campaign is expected to run through the holy month of Sawan, when religious activity peaks. Authorities are also working to raise awareness among locals and pilgrims, urging them to report suspicious behavior.
The operation’s success has already set a precedent, with some suggesting it could inspire similar initiatives in other states. For now, Uttarakhand’s “Devbhoomi” remains the focus, as the government strives to restore trust and preserve the spiritual integrity of the region.
“This is about more than just arrests,” said CM Dhami. “It’s about ensuring that faith remains pure and that no one can exploit it for their own gain.” As Operation Kaalnemi moves forward, it’s clear that Uttarakhand is taking a stand to protect its sacred heritage—one impostor at a time.
