Operation Kalnemi in Uttarakhand: 511 Arrested Including 19 Bangladeshis

In a major law‑and‑order operation in Uttarakhand, authorities have arrested 511 people across three districts under Operation Kalnemi, a campaign targeting fraud, hypocrisy, and illegal activities carried out under the disguise of religion and faith. Among those detained are 19 Bangladeshi nationals who were found to be residing in the state illegally, officials said on Friday. 

Launched by the Uttarakhand government in July 2025, Operation Kalnemi is named after a mythological figure that symbolizes deception, and its stated purpose is to identify and act against individuals exploiting spiritual sentiment for unlawful gains. The campaign has focused on verification drives and enforcement actions in the Haridwar, Dehradun, and Udham Singh Nagar districts, verifying more than 4,800 individuals so far. 

According to a government statement, the verification process across these districts resulted in 511 arrests. Of the 19 Bangladeshi nationals detained, 10 have already been deported to Bangladesh, while legal proceedings continue against the remaining nine. Officials emphasized that the operation is aimed at protecting law and order and preserving the cultural and spiritual identity of Devbhoomi, as Uttarakhand is widely known.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reiterated that the campaign is not directed at any particular community but seeks to prevent crime and fraud carried out in the name of faith. He stressed that while religious beliefs will be respected, any misuse of religion for illegal activities will not be tolerated. 

The operation is part of broader efforts by the state government to curb activities that authorities say mislead the public and undermine social order. With ongoing legal action and continued verification efforts, officials have indicated that the crackdown will persist to ensure compliance with the law and protect local communities.