Uttarakhand to Launch Operation Kalanemi Against Fake Saints
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced ‘Operation Kalanemi’, a police operation that is set to take strict action against people pretending to be saints, and who are cheating people, and tarnishing the name of Sanatana Dharma. The decision comes after discussions with the Chief Minister about ensuring religious harmony, and stopping fraud in the name of faith.
Why ‘Operation Kalanemi’?
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami informed that the name ‘Operation Kalanemi’ comes from the name Kalanemi who, in Hindu mythology, dressed like a saint and misled people. Just like Kalanemi, there are people today who wear the robe of sadhus (saints) and cheat innocent devotees and especially target women as their prey.
The Chief Minister stated that these impersonators mislead the public, hurt their religious sentiments and disturb society. He told them that nobody would be spared as action would be takent regardless of their religion.
Strong Government Action to Be Taken
Mr. Dhami has directed the Uttarakhand Police to commence the operation without delay. The police are asked to identify and apprehend fake saints who are abusing religion for personal profit. Police units would work in teams across the state with the goal of finding malefactors engaged in those activities.
The Chief Minister stated that this action is to protect the integrity of true religious practice and protect innocent people from fraud, abuse, in the name of spirituality.
Public and Religious Significance
It has become relevant to carry out this operation due to what is happening in the state in regard to the increasing number of religious gatherings and pilgrimages. In Uttarakhand, religious sites, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Kedarnath – sites that attract thousands of pilgrims from every corner of the country – play a huge role in the lives of so many people. The government believes that it is essential to protect people’s beliefs and faith, and to guarantee that they are led by true spiritual leaders and not fakes.
This operation is all about stopping those individuals and groups that damage the goodwill of Sanatana Dharma and affect social harmony.