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. Officials said Shukla later began using the name Satyanand Shukla alias Kali Sarkar.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. As he repeatedly failed to appear in court, permanent arrest warrants were issued. Police said attempts to trace him were repeatedly obstructed because records showed him as deceased, complicating verification and tracking.SP Ashok Meena said Shukla fled Hardoi and later surfaced in Jhansi, where he established a temple in Kuraincha village. Over time, he became a prominent religious figure in the region, holding large weekend gatherings branded as Divya Darbars. 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.According to police, his following expanded beyond Uttar Pradesh, with devotees coming from other states and even abroad. Officials said he was often seen in saffron robes or army-style uniforms and carried a stick. 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.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. 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.The arrest also comes amid a separate controversy. Police said a case has recently been registered against Shukla over allegations that he sexually abused a 12-year-old boy. 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.
