Dehradun, July 19 (IANS) The Uttarakhand administration has stepped up monitoring and vigilance in Kedarnath Dham under a special inspection drive ‘Operation Kalnemi’, initiating penal action against the rule-breakers and violators. Under the drive, those trying to defraud and exploit devotees under the guise of being a ‘saint’ are being identified and sent back.
A total of 15 such imposters have also been issued challans during the drive.
Kedarnath Dham, whose doors were opened for devotees in April, is witnessing a huge influx with thousands of pilgrims paying obeisance to Lord Shiva daily.
To ensure that robust security mechanisms and orderly arrangements remain in place, the state administration and police are maintaining constant vigilance under ‘Operation Kalnemi’.
Operation Kalnemi is a major statewide drive kick-started in July 2025 by the state government to identify and apprehend individuals ‘posing as Hindu sadhus’ to commit fraud, engage in illegal activities and also exploit devotees.
As part of the drive, action is being taken against fake ‘babas’, residing there without proper police verification or valid identity documents.
A special inspection drive was carried out by the Kedarnath police post in the presence of the Yatra Magistrate. Identity cards and police verification documents of the ‘ascetics’ residing in the Dham area were examined.
The inspection revealed that several individuals were living in Kedarnath without police verification, while some didn’t have a valid Aadhaar card.
Upon finding violation of security regulations, the police initiated legal action against the concerned individuals under the Police Act. A total of 15 people were issued ‘challans’ during the drive.
Individuals found without valid identity documents were sent back from Kedarnath Dham to Gaurikund as a security measure.
Police officials stated that such surprise inspections will continue in the future to ensure the sanctity and smooth management of the pilgrimage at Kedarnath Dham.
“No individual will be permitted to stay in the Dham area without proper verification and identity documentation during the Char Dham Yatra,” they stated.
–IANS
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