Haridwar, August 12 – In a shocking incident that has rattled Uttarakhand, police have arrested 40-year-old Deepak Kumar Saini, accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a minor. Disguised as Lord Shiva, Saini roamed Haridwar district posing as a “baba,” claiming to bless devotees in the deity’s name.
According to police, Saini is not a first-time offender. He has previously faced cases related to harassment and dowry. His latest arrest was made under Operation Kalanemi, a statewide campaign aimed at cracking down on fake sadhus exploiting religion for personal gain.
The operation, which has already led to over 150 arrests across Uttarakhand, is part of a broader effort to protect vulnerable citizens from fraudsters using spiritual disguises to commit crimes. Authorities say that many of these so-called godmen have been found involved in serious offenses, including cheating, harassment, and sexual exploitation.
Haridwar Police officials urged citizens to remain vigilant, verify credentials before trusting spiritual figures, and report any suspicious behavior immediately.
The case has sparked outrage among locals, with community leaders calling for stricter punishments for those misusing religious symbols to prey on the innocent.
