By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
HARIDWAR, 12 Jul: Pushkar Singh Dhami government’s intensified crackdown under ‘Operation Kalnemi’ has led to the apprehension of scores of impostors posing as sadhus and saints in the city revered for its religious heritage and Akhadas. A pertinent aspect of the operation has been the arrest of over half-a-dozen Muslim individuals among those impersonating as ascetics, a revelation that has prompted heightened scrutiny from Intelligence agencies and raised concerns regarding possible attempts to infiltrate Sanatan Dharma institutions.
According to the police sources, the arrested individuals are currently being interrogated to ascertain their reasons for donning saffron robes. Mahamandaleshwar Yatindranand Giri Maharaj has expressed grave concern over the situation, describing it as potentially a major conspiracy targeting Sanatan Dharma and calling for a comprehensive investigation. The authorities are exploring whether the accused, by mingling with genuine saints, were preparing for any untoward incidents.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Haridwar Pramendra Dobhal confirmed that a thorough probe is underway and that the intelligence department is actively involved.
It may be reminded here that to identify and take strict action against individuals misleading the public by exploiting religious sentiments, two police teams were formed under the supervision of city and Roorkee Circle Officers. These teams conducted extensive operations across urban and rural zones.
In the rural Kaliyar area, six fake sadhus were apprehended, and legal proceedings initiated against them. The city police team carried out multiple raids, arresting 13 from Kotwali Nagar, 18 from Shyampur, and 8 from Kankhal. Among the arrested were individuals hailing from several states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Interestingly, the list of those arrested includes names such as Rafiq Ansari of Bhagalpur, Mehboob of Bareilly, Mohammad Ahmed of Hardoi, and Mohammad Zainuddin of Palasi Pakri, Bihar. Arrests from Kotwali Nagar included Gaurav Sharma of Muzaffarnagar, Ashupal of Pratapgarh, and Balayogi Sundernath of Hisar, among others.
From Shyampur, detainees included Lakhan Nath, Pintoo, and Bagwanath of Chandighat, alongside individuals from Udham Singh Nagar, Jalpaiguri, and Etah Mainpuri. The Kankhal arrests involved Satish of Sitapur, Gajram Singh of Sambhal, Om Prakash of Roorkee, and others originating from various parts of Uttar Pradesh and Lakhimpur Kheri.
It may also be shared here that the Operation Kaalnemi continued on the second day on Saturday even in Dehradun with arrest of 23 more fake sadhus and ascetics.
