A fugitive who disguised himself as a holy man to evade law enforcement has been apprehended in the Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh. The accused, identified as Pradeep Shukla alias Kali Sarkar, had turned a Kali Mata temple in Kuraicha village under the Mauranipur police station limits into his hiding place. Operating under a fabricated spiritual identity, he was misleading local residents with claims of mystical powers while staying off the police radar.
Temple Turned into a Base for Deceptive Gatherings
For several years, Shukla lived inside the Kali Mata temple complex in Kuraicha village under false pretenses. Locals knew him as Satyanand Shukla or Kali Sarkar. Over time, he established regular spiritual gatherings known as a divya darbar, drawing visitors who sought remedies for their personal and domestic troubles.
During these sessions, the imposter made grand assertions, assuring visitors that he could cure illnesses and resolve complicated problems instantly. Gullible people frequently fell for his theatrical claims, mistaking his disguise for genuine saintliness.
Leveraging Social Media Fame to Build an Audience
Beyond his physical gatherings, Shukla actively expanded his footprint on digital platforms. He cultivated a following of more than 100,000 users on Instagram, regularly sharing short videos and reels depicting his rituals and alleged feats. These viral posts helped him attract wider attention, effectively concealing his criminal background behind a facade of internet celebrity.
Fugitive with Past Robbery and Assault Cases
The display of piety crumbled once authorities confirmed his actual identity. Originally a resident of the Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh, Shukla had been on the run from law enforcement for years.
Police records show that a robbery case was registered against him back in 2014, followed by an assault case filed in 2018. Because he repeatedly evaded trial and failed to appear before the judiciary, the competent court had issued a permanent warrant for his arrest.
Joint Police Raid Ends the Imposter's Run
A breakthrough came when Hardoi police received verified intelligence indicating that their wanted fugitive was residing openly as a religious preacher in a rural Jhansi temple. Acting on the lead, personnel from Hardoi joined hands with the Mauranipur local police to execute a coordinated raid on the temple premises.
The team successfully apprehended Shukla during the operation. Mauranipur Circle Officer Ratneshwar Singh confirmed that the accused has been taken into custody and that standard legal proceedings are actively underway, bringing an end to his prolonged masquerade.
