In a significant crackdown on individuals allegedly impersonating Hindu religious figures, Haridwar Police have launched "Operation Kalanemi," acting on directives from Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. This operation aims to identify and apprehend "fake Hindus" or those misusing religious attire for deceptive purposes. On its very first day, the initiative has led to the apprehension of over 50 suspects, including six individuals identified as Muslims posing as Hindu sadhus.

The operation leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and facial recognition technology to identify suspects. More than 350 cameras connected to a command control center are monitoring the entire city of Haridwar. Key pilgrimage areas like Har Ki Pauri are under close surveillance using drones and CCTV cameras.

Haridwar police have detained approximately 50 suspects from various locations, primarily targeting beggars and those appearing to be mendicants. Among those apprehended, six individuals have been confirmed to be Muslim men who were found begging while wearing saffron robes. They have been arrested by Kaliyar police station.

The arrested individuals identified as Muslims are:

• Rafiq Ansari, son of Ahmed Ansari, resident of Narayanpur police station, Barahat district, Bhagalpur, Bihar (also referred to as Vihaan).

• Mehboob, son of Abdul Hanif, resident of village Khoramgotiya, police station Baradra, district Bareilly.

• Mohd. Ahmed, son of Rahu, resident of Village Boarding House, District Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh.

• Rashid, son of Bapati, resident of ward number 7, Phoolbagh police station, Narsinghgarh, district Rajgarh.

• Md. Imran, son of Md. Islam, resident of 11B Tiljala Police Station, Kadaya, Kolkata, West Bengal.

• Md. Jain Uddin, son of Sheikh Abbas, resident of Belwari Ward No. 13, Zone Palasi Pakhri, Bihar.

Additionally, police custody in the city control room holds around 40 other suspects. Under the leadership of SSP Doval, two separate teams have been formed for rural and city areas to conduct this campaign. Kaliyar police station arrested the six Muslim individuals, while Kotwali Nagar arrested 13, Shyampur arrested 18, and Kankhal arrested 8 individuals identified as fake sadhus.

Significance During Kanwar Yatra

This operation has commenced just as the annual Kanwar Yatra is underway, a significant pilgrimage during the month of Sawan. Police state that the action is crucial to maintain the "religious dignity" of Haridwar and the faith of devotees, preventing "hypocrites" from participating.

According to police, there have been long-standing complaints in the Nagar Kotwali area regarding fake sadhus engaging in fraudulent activities. These individuals were allegedly cheating people by offering false blessings, tantra-mantra, and miracles while disguised as sadhus and saints. Reports also indicated instances of fraud and criminal activities associated with them, underscoring the importance of 'Operation Kalanemi'.