Uttarakhand CM Launches ‘Operation Kalanemi’ to Tackle Fake Saints Exploiting Devotees During Kanwar Yatra.
National
In July 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami initiated Operation Kalanemi, a statewide campaign aimed at rooting out impostors posing as saints or seers who exploit religious sentiments to defraud devotees, particularly during the Kanwar Yatra season. The operation underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods).
- The operation's name is a reference to the demon Kalanemi from Hindu mythology, who deceptively cloaked himself as a holy man to mislead Lord Hanuman. Dhami likened today’s fraudulent religious figures to modern-day Kalanemis and directed law enforcement agencies to act swiftly against individuals misusing religious identities for criminal activities.
- On the first day of the drive, police across Uttarakhand arrested 23–25 individuals masquerading as sadhus—one among them a 26-year-old Bangladeshi national—in towns like Dehradun and Haridwar. The accused were booked under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and illegal migrants faced charges under the Foreigners Act.
- Law enforcement mobilized plain-clothes officers at pilgrimage hubs, religious venues, and kadis (campsites for pilgrims), scrutinizing credentials and verifying documents to identify fake spiritual practitioners. Genuine saints welcomed the move, stating that it helped to restore trust and preserve the image of genuine spiritual traditions.
Main Point :- (i) The crackdown comes just before the Kanwar Yatra, which draws millions of pilgrims annually to Uttarakhand. With increased vigilance and police deployment, CM Dhami emphasized that no exception would be made based on religious identity, underlining a universal approach to maintaining law and order.
(ii) Central to the operation’s approach is strong support from local communities and advisories urging citizens to report suspicious figures. Officials highlighted that impunity for fake saints contributes to financial exploitation and moral harm, especially among vulnerable groups like women and the elderly.
(iii) Uttarakhand police have pledged to continue Operation Kalanemi beyond the Yatra season. In Haridwar alone, nearly 50 suspects have been detained as of July 12, with rigorous documentation and background verification underway to prevent repeat offenses.
About Uttarakhand
Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor: Gurmit Singh
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