Lucknow: A self-styled spiritual guru known as ‘Kali Sarkar’, who built a large following through his Divya Darbar gatherings in Jhansi and claimed spiritual healing powers, has been arrested by Hardoi police for evading criminal proceedings linked to cases registered more than three decades ago.
Police identified the accused as Pradeep Shukla (64), who, avoided arrest for years by adopting a new identity, cultivating a religious profile and getting himself recorded as dead in official documents. Hardoi police said Shukla was wanted in connection with criminal cases registered in the district in 1993 and 1998, including allegations of robbery and assault. Police said an earlier operation on Oct 10 resulted in his detention from the Jhansi temple, but he was released after authorities could not immediately produce old case records in court.
Because records showed him as deceased, complicating verification and tracking, police said attempts to trace him were repeatedly obstructed.
Officials said Shukla later began using the name Satyanand Shukla alias Kali Sarkar. Police said he projected himself as a healer who could cure illnesses and resolve personal problems through “divine powers,” drawing crowds seeking blessings and solutions. His following expanded beyond Uttar Pradesh, with devotees coming from other states and even abroad, according to police. Officials said he was often seen in saffron robes or army-style uniforms and carried a stick.
As he repeatedly failed to appear in court, permanent arrest warrants were issued. Investigators also noted that he created a strong social media presence, including an Instagram account under the name Kali Sarkar with over one lakh followers. After records were verified and corrected, a fresh operation was carried out, leading to his arrest on Tuesday night. He was produced before a court on Wednesday.
Police said a case has recently been registered against Shukla over allegations that he sexually abused a 12-year-old boy. The arrest also comes amid a separate controversy. Based on a complaint by the child’s grandfather, police alleged the accused befriended the minor, took him to multiple cities, abused him and threatened him to prevent disclosure. The allegations are under investigation.