Operation Kalnemi: Over 300 Fake Babas Exposed in Uttarakhand’s Faith Fraud Crackdown
Dehradun, July 16 (The Trending People) - In a bold move to protect the sanctity of religion and restore public trust, the Uttarakhand Police has launched a sweeping crackdown on imposters posing as saints and spiritual gurus. Under Operation Kalnemi, more than 300 fake babas have been identified and actioned upon across the Kumaon division of the state.
The operation, initiated on July 10 under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, draws inspiration from the mythological demon Kalnemi, who disguised himself as a sage to deceive people — a symbolic representation of present-day frauds who exploit faith for personal gain.
Faith, Not Fraud: IG Confirms Statewide Crackdown
Speaking to IANS, Inspector General (IG) Kumaon Riddhim Agarwal confirmed that the campaign was actively conducted across all six districts in Kumaon, including Nainital, Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar.
“These individuals were exploiting people’s faith through superstition, deceit, and false claims of divine powers,” said Agarwal.
“They had no valid identification or documentation to support their spiritual credentials.”
FIRs, challans, and preventive detentions have been filed against these imposters. The police conducted background verifications, and many suspects were taken into custody during the campaign.
CM Dhami: “Kalnemi Lives On in New Forms”
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched Operation Kalnemi by drawing a mythological parallel to underline its importance.
“Just as the demon Kalnemi used disguise to deceive, many such ‘Kalnemis’ exist in today’s society who are misusing religion to commit crimes,” Dhami said.
He emphasized that the campaign is aimed at preserving the image of Sanatan Dharma, ensuring that true spiritual guides, not self-proclaimed babas, lead communities.
Operation Timed With Religious Season for Maximum Impact
The move comes amid heightened religious activity in the state due to the annual pilgrimage season. With lakhs of devotees visiting sacred towns like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Kedarnath, the government is determined to ensure that faith is not hijacked by fraud.
Police stations and check posts across Kumaon have been directed to stay on alert. The campaign will remain active throughout the pilgrimage period, with zero tolerance toward anyone masquerading as a spiritual figure without credentials.
Political Support Across the Spectrum
Operation Kalnemi has drawn praise from across political lines, including both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition.
BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi applauded the crackdown, stating:
“Conversion through money, deception, or coercion must be strictly monitored and curbed.”
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also supported the move, noting:
“With growing awareness of Sanatan Dharma, many fake babas are taking advantage. CM Dhami deserves praise for defending our religious heritage.”
Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, another senior BJP leader, added:
“This campaign will help unmask those looting innocent believers with fake miracles and promises.”
Interestingly, Opposition parties also welcomed the initiative but took the opportunity to criticize the government.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey said:
“Catching fake babas is commendable, but CM Dhami must also identify the ‘Kalnemis’ within his own party who are corrupt and causing unrest.”
The Bigger Picture: Sanatan Dharma vs. Spiritual Exploitation
Operation Kalnemi is more than a policing effort — it’s a cultural and ethical stand against spiritual exploitation. In a time when self-styled godmen and miracle merchants are mushrooming across the country, often with no religious or spiritual training, the campaign sends a strong message.
Sanatan Dharma, rooted in knowledge, truth, and morality, faces threats from within — not just from doctrinal distortion, but from criminals in robes. Operation Kalnemi may well serve as a blueprint for other states battling the same menace.
What’s Next?
Uttarakhand Police plans to intensify surveillance at religious hotspots and continue verifying self-proclaimed spiritual figures. Those who cannot produce valid credentials or are found deceiving people will face legal consequences.
The public is also being encouraged to report suspicious individuals under the Operation Kalnemi helpline, ensuring community participation in the fight against religious fraud.
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