Dehradun, July 12: In a sweeping crackdown dubbed Operation Kalnemi, the Uttarakhand government has arrested over 50 individuals posing as fake sadhus, including several from other states and different religious backgrounds, officials said on Saturday.

The operation, launched by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, aims to safeguard the sanctity of Sanatan Dharma and ensure the safety of Kanwariyas during the holy month of Shravan.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh, the arrested individuals were found masquerading as saints and sadhus, engaging in fraudulent activities such as extortion, deception, and exploitation of religious sentiments.

Among those detained were Muslim individuals and a Bangladeshi national, raising concerns about cross-border infiltration and identity fraud.

The operation was initiated just ahead of the Kanwar Yatra, a major pilgrimage attracting lakhs of devotees to Haridwar.

Authorities conducted surprise inspections across Dehradun and Haridwar, verifying identities and arresting imposters who failed to produce valid credentials or religious affiliations.

Religious bodies such as the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad and Akhand Parshuram Akhada have welcomed the move, calling for strict verification of sadhus’ identities and punitive action against imposters.

CM Dhami emphasized that no religious disguise will shield criminal intent, and vowed to uphold the dignity of Uttarakhand as Devbhoomi.

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