40 fake Hindu Babas arrested in Haridwar
Police in Uttarakhand have launched a major crackdown in Haridwar under “Operation Kalanemi,” targeting individuals accused of posing as Hindu sadhus to deceive devotees and carry out illegal activities. So far, 40 fake ‘Babas’ have been arrested for allegedly cheating pilgrims and trafficking cannabis and hashish.
According to officials, many of the accused were moving around religious and pilgrimage sites disguised as holy men while secretly engaging in criminal activities such as drug peddling and financial fraud. The operation has been intensified ahead of the Kanwar Yatra season to prevent exploitation of devotees visiting the state.
“Operation Kalanemi” was initiated on the instructions of the Pushkar Singh Dhami government to identify and act against people misusing religious appearances and sentiments for unlawful purposes. Police teams are conducting searches across different areas to track down more such impostors.
Authorities have said strict legal action will continue against anyone found exploiting faith, cheating the public, or running illegal drug operations under the guise of religion. Police officials stated that the campaign against fake Babas will continue in the coming days.
