Uttarakhand's Operation Kaalnemi Targets Fake Sadhus Preying on Pilgrims
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that anyone using a false religious identity to cheat, regardless of their faith, will face strict punishment.
The Uttarakhand government has launched Operation Kaalnemi to combat fraudulent sadhus who deceive pilgrims while posing as holy figures. These impostors, often dressed in saffron robes, pretend to be spiritual gurus to cheat devotees. The operation’s name draws from the Ramayana, where the demon Kaalnemi disguised himself as a saint to deceive Lord Hanuman, only to be defeated.
Known as Devbhoomi, the Land of the Gods, Uttarakhand attracts thousands of pilgrims annually to its sacred sites. However, fake sadhus have exploited this, defrauding devotees and tarnishing the sanctity of the region’s religious heritage. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that anyone using a false religious identity to cheat, regardless of their faith, will face strict punishment.
Police are now conducting thorough checks at sadhu gatherings, with officers in plain clothes verifying credentials, including details of their guru or monastic affiliation. Genuine sadhus have welcomed the initiative, as it aims to protect the reputation of authentic spiritual leaders.
Operation Kaalnemi is not against religion but seeks to safeguard devotees and preserve the integrity of faith by rooting out those who exploit it for deceit.
This article is written by Kanishka Yadav, intern from IIT Hyderabad.
