13 Arrested in “Operation Kalnemi” During Sabir Pak Urs
Kaliyar, Uttarakhand: The Uttarakhand Police, in a major security operation during the annual Urs of Sabir Pak, arrested 13 individuals, including two Bangladeshi nationals.
The drive, named Operation Kalnemi, involved thorough police and intelligence checks to ensure pilgrim safety. SSP Pramendra Dobhal confirmed that the arrested Bangladeshis—Mohammad Ujjwal alias Baba Mohan and Mohammad Yusuf alias Shankar Baba—were living under false identities.
“Ujjwal had a prior arrest in 2020,” Dobhal noted. Both face charges under the Foreign Passport Act and have been jailed. The remaining 11 impostors were also booked as part of the state-wide crackdown on illegal residents and impostors during religious events.
This operation demonstrates the state’s commitment to pilgrim security and stringent enforcement against illegal immigrants.
Uttarakhand Forest Department Sees Key Transfers
In a related administrative update, Dr. Saket Badola, Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve, has been given additional charge as Conservator of Forests, Western Circle, Haldwani. Dr. Badola already held dual responsibilities as Conservator and Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The promotion order was issued by Hema Pandey, Deputy Secretary, marking a significant change in the forest department hierarchy. Simultaneously, Vinay Kumar Bhargava, Conservator of Forests, Western Circle, Haldwani, has been transferred as Director of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Gopeshwar.
Officials say these transfers aim to strengthen forest management and improve operational efficiency across protected areas in Uttarakhand.
Nepalese Smuggler Nabbed With Rs 1-Cr Bear Bile
Uttarakhand police, in collaboration with the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Forest Department, arrested a Nepalese smuggler carrying contraband including bear bile worth around Rs 1 crore.
The accused, Surya Bahadur Budathoki from Dolpa district, Nepal, was apprehended near Dharchula during a routine check drive on Wednesday. Police Area Officer Govind Ballabh Joshi said, “Budathoki tried to flee, leading to his arrest and recovery of 175 grams of bear bile and over two kilograms of cannabis.”
Budathoki was reportedly transporting the items from Nepal to Pithoragarh for sale in the domestic and international black market. Authorities are investigating the cross-border wildlife and drug smuggling network linked to the seizure.
The operation highlights Uttarakhand’s increasing focus on wildlife protection and cracking down on illegal drug and wildlife trade.
Strengthening Law Enforcement in Uttarakhand
These recent actions—Operation Kalnemi, forest department reshuffles, and wildlife crime arrests—demonstrate the state’s proactive approach toward law enforcement, security, and environmental protection.
Officials say that coordinated actions among police, intelligence, and forest authorities are essential to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of residents and pilgrims alike.
With illegal immigration, wildlife smuggling, and cross-border crime on the rise, these measures reflect Uttarakhand’s commitment to security, environmental conservation, and administrative efficiency.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 13 arrested during Sabir Pak Urs in Operation Kalnemi, including two Bangladeshi nationals.
- Dr. Saket Badola gets additional charge as Conservator of Forests, Western Circle, Haldwani.
- Vinay Kumar Bhargava transferred to Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
- Nepalese smuggler apprehended with bear bile worth Rs 1 crore and over 2 kg cannabis.
- State agencies intensify crackdown on illegal immigration, wildlife, and drug smuggling.