Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested a 55-year-old Muslim man from West Bengal for impersonating a Hindu monk and residing in a temple for nearly two years under a false identity. The man, identified as Imamuddin Ansari, was living at Shani Mandir in Manti Hasanpur village, located in the Thana Bhawan area of Shamli district, under the assumed name “Baba Bengali” alias Balaknath.
The arrest was made on Saturday (August 2) night, following a tip-off that raised suspicions about his real identity. Acting on the information, the Thana Bhawan police raided the temple and detained the man for questioning.
During the search, police recovered three Aadhaar cards and one PAN card from Imamuddin Ansari. One of the Aadhaar cards bore the name ‘Bangali Nath’, with an address linked to a temple in Saharanpur, suggesting a deliberate attempt to establish a new religious persona. The other two Aadhaar cards and the PAN card carried his original name and address, Imamuddin Ansari from Alipurduar district, West Bengal.
According to Superintendent of Police Ramsevak Gautam, the man has been booked under charges related to forgery, impersonation, and hurting religious sentiments. “A case has been registered, and the accused was presented before the Kairana court, which remanded him to 14-day judicial custody,” he said.
The police have launched a broader investigation into the case. A team has been sent to West Bengal to verify Imamuddin’s background, check for any previous criminal records, and determine how he acquired multiple fake documents. Authorities are also probing whether others were involved in helping him obtain fraudulent identity papers.
While no bank accounts, suspicious documents, or signs of religious conversion activity have been discovered so far, SP Gautam assured that the investigation will be thorough and impartial. “Strict legal action will be taken based on the facts that emerge,” he said, urging people not to fall for rumours or misinformation.
The revelation of a Muslim man impersonating a Hindu monk has stirred strong reactions from local Hindu groups. Bharat Bhushan, District Math Mandir Pramukh, termed the incident “unexpected and serious,” calling for strict and immediate police action. He further announced that temple organisations across the district will intensify monitoring of people posing as sadhus.
Leaders from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also expressed outrage. Vinni Rana, District Seva Pramukh, and Shalu Rana, District General Secretary, condemned the incident and warned of vigilance drives by volunteers in rural areas to prevent similar intrusions. “Any conspiracy against Sanatan Dharma will be strongly opposed,” said Shalu Rana.
The case has raised concerns over temple security, identity fraud, and possible misuse of religious trust. While the motive behind Ansari’s actions remains unclear, the combination of fake IDs and prolonged stay under a religious disguise has sparked debate over possible ulterior motives, though police have so far ruled out any evidence of conversion or terror links.
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