25 Fake Sadhus, Including Bangladeshi National, Arrested in Dehradun Under Operation Kalanemi
25 Fake Sadhus, Including Bangladeshi National, Arrested in Dehradun Under Operation Kalanemi
Dehradun, July 12, 2025: In a significant move to curb religious fraud, Dehradun Police arrested 25 individuals posing as sadhus—including one Bangladeshi national—during a citywide crackdown under Operation Kalanemi. The operation, launched on the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, aims to eliminate impostors exploiting spiritual sentiments for personal gain.
The arrests were made across various public places in the city, where the accused were found masquerading as saints to deceive unsuspecting citizens. According to police officials, none of the individuals possessed any verified religious, spiritual, or astrological knowledge, nor did they have proper identity documents.
Who Are the Arrested Fake Sadhus?
Among those arrested is Rukan Rakam alias Shah Alam, a 26-year-old Bangladeshi national from Tangail district of Dhaka. He has been charged under the Foreigners Act, while the rest of the individuals have been booked under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to impersonating a public servant.
The remaining accused hail from multiple Indian states, including:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Assam
Police are currently conducting background checks and verifying the criminal records of all the arrested individuals. Preliminary investigations suggest that many of them have been operating under false identities for extended periods, misleading the public and collecting money or favors in the name of religious blessings.
Operation Kalanemi: A Crackdown on Religious Impostors
Operation Kalanemi was initiated as part of a broader campaign to preserve public trust and eliminate fraudulent religious practices. Named after a mythological demon known for deception, the operation symbolizes a battle against fake spiritual leaders misguiding people under the pretense of divine knowledge.
“The misuse of religious symbols and clothing to exploit innocent people will not be tolerated,” said a senior police official involved in the operation. “We are committed to identifying and prosecuting these fraudsters who violate public trust.”
Public Safety and Continued Surveillance
The police have urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious individuals claiming to be sadhus, astrologers, or spiritual guides, especially those without proper documentation or local references.
“Faith should never be used as a weapon for deceit,” said another official. “We ask the public to cooperate with the authorities and refrain from blindly trusting such individuals.”
The Dehradun Police has assured that Operation Kalanemi will continue in the coming days, with more raids and inspections planned across temples, public parks, and religious gathering areas. The goal is to prevent exploitation and ensure that genuine religious figures are not overshadowed by impostors.
Legal Consequences and Broader Implications
The arrests mark one of the first large-scale enforcements under the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, India’s updated criminal code that replaced colonial-era laws in 2024. The use of Section 170 BNS signifies a more aggressive legal posture towards impersonation and religious exploitation.
Legal experts suggest that this operation could serve as a blueprint for other Indian states dealing with similar issues. “This sends a strong message that religious fraud will no longer be treated lightly,” said a Dehradun-based lawyer.