Police in Tiruvannamalai have intensified efforts to enumerate sadhus living along the Girivalam route, where hundreds of ascetics are said to reside.
Devotees regularly provide food and clothing to the sadhus on the circumambulation path, making the area a constant point of interaction between pilgrims and those staying there.
Authorities say there are concerns that, in some places, anti-social elements may be infiltrating the area by posing as sadhus and engaging in criminal activities.
The enumeration drive is being carried out as part of steps to identify those residing on the route and to address the reported misuse of the sadhu identity for unlawful acts.
