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Are the sandalwood-marked young men asking you for donations near Kolkata temples really saints? A recent investigation by Taaza TV reveals a growing gang of imposters masquerading as sadhus to earn thousands of rupees daily from unsuspecting devotees. These fake sadhus—mostly aged between 25 and 30—roam around prominent temples in the city, targeting emotionally vulnerable pilgrims. Dressed in saffron robes with white sandalwood smeared on their foreheads, they project a spiritual aura to solicit money.
However, locals and temple regulars have raised alarms after noticing that many of these men vanish once they collect their daily quota. Some have been spotted smoking in alleyways or changing out of their sadhu outfits, revealing the extent of the deception. This has led to growing anger among devotees and demands for tighter policing around religious places.
The racket, thriving in the name of religion, is not just financially exploitative but also erodes trust in genuine ascetics. Authorities have been alerted, and temple management committees are now on guard to prevent further fraud.
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