Hardoi, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pradeep Shukla, alias ‘Kali Sarkar’, who became known for holding ‘divya darbars’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district while claiming to cure people’s ailments, has been arrested by Hardoi Police in connection with criminal cases dating back more than three decades.
Shukla, a resident of Chauhan Thok in Hardoi, had been living at a temple in Kuraicha village of Jhansi under the name Satyanand Shukla. He reportedly conducted the gatherings dressed in military-style clothing and has more than one lakh followers on social media.
According to police records, cases were registered against him in 1993 under provisions of the Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Another case was registered in 1998 under Section 324 of the IPC. His continued failure to appear before the court in these matters led to the issuance of a permanent arrest warrant.
Hardoi Police had earlier taken Shukla into custody on October 10, but he was granted relief by the court as his previous criminal records were not immediately available. After retrieving and verifying the records, police obtained a fresh court warrant on Tuesday and arrested him again.
Circle Officer Hardoi City Ajit Chauhan said the arrest was part of an ongoing campaign against crime and criminals being conducted on the directions of the Superintendent of Police. Shukla was subsequently produced before the court, he added.
Police are also investigating a separate case reportedly registered against him over alleged sexual assault of a minor. The allegation remains under investigation.
FOLLOW NOW
