Haridwar Police, in Uttarakhand, have arrested Deepak Saini, a 40-year-old resident of Subhash Nagar, Jwalapur, for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl. Saini, known for his elaborate spiritual masquerades under monikers such as Trikaldarshi, was apprehended as part of Operation Kalanemi, a widespread crackdown on fraudulent religious figures in the region.
The accused, on the run for several months, was caught after authorities deployed a woman constable as a decoy devotee. Investigations continue, with the police actively seeking more survivors and probing Saini’s broader criminal activities, while officials urge the public to step forward with information.
Operation Kalanemi Shines Light on Exploitation of Faith
Deepak Saini’s arrest stands as a dramatic outcome of Operation Kalanemi—a targeted campaign against those misusing religious authority for criminal gain. Adopting the persona of a “baba”, Saini adorned himself with symbolic items: sacred ash markings, a mala, a trident, and traditional clothing to lend credence to his spurious status.
He maintained active fake spiritual social media profiles, enabling him to connect with unsuspecting families, particularly women and girls, promising miracles and blessings in exchange for devotion. The police detailed that Saini would administer intoxicants to victims before assaulting them, and relied on threats to ensure their silence.
Local authorities described Saini as an elusive target who frequently changed locations to evade capture. SHO Nitesh Sharma revealed, “We deployed a woman constable as a decoy devotee using a fake profile and arrested him at his hideout.” The sting operation exemplifies how law enforcement adapted to the suspect’s tactics, using digital and field strategy to make the arrest.
Police statements also indicate they are combing through additional complaints and digital evidence for links to further criminal acts, hoping to provide justice to others who may have been affected by Saini’s actions.
Wider Crackdown and Longstanding Criminal Behaviour
The arrest of Deepak Saini is symptomatic of deeper issues within spiritual communities vulnerable to exploitation. Establishing his assumed spiritual authority through deceit, Saini allegedly manipulated followers’ beliefs to gain access to their private lives.
Records show a history of complaints—ranging from harassment and domestic violence, to more serious allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Operation Kalanemi, initiated under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, marks a significant move by state authorities to maintain religious sanctity and public trust in spiritual institutions. Since its inception, the operation has seen more than 1,250 individuals questioned and up to 150 arrests of self-styled babas and suspects attempting to exploit faith. Police have also uncovered cases of missing persons- including another woman reportedly maintained by Saini as a disciple- as part of their ongoing investigations.
This robust legal action highlights the perils of unchecked authority and the necessity for scrutiny and transparency in religious spaces.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Cases such as Deepak Saini’s remind us how positions of spiritual authority can become conduits for abhorrent abuse if unchecked. The Logical Indian unequivocally supports the tireless efforts of law enforcement, but asserts that lasting change requires more than criminal prosecution; it calls for collective vigilance, shared empathy, and meaningful community engagement.
Indian society must foster open dialogue about these concerns- encouraging survivors to come forward, supporting them without judgment, and improving safeguards to ensure faith cannot be weaponised against the vulnerable.
Spirituality, at its best, nurtures kindness, peace, and harmony. It’s imperative to ensure that spiritual guidance remains a source of comfort and support-not a tool for exploitation.
