The Odisha Crime Branch has arrested two individuals from Uttar Pradesh for creating a fake website impersonating the guest house of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The fraudulent website, named www.neeladribhaktanivas.in, was used to deceive devotees into making online payments for accommodation bookings at the temple’s guest house, Neeladri Bhakta Niwas.
The accused, identified as Anshuman Sharma, an IT professional from Agra, and his associate Aravinda Kumar from Prayagraj, used a Canara Bank account to receive payments from unsuspecting devotees. The investigation revealed that Sharma had created 15 fake websites targeting various organizations and institutions across states. The Crime Branch seized a laptop, mobile phone, SIM card, Aadhaar card, PAN card, and hosting details linked to the fraudulent activities.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had lodged a complaint earlier this year, prompting the investigation. The SJTA has urged devotees to use only the authorized website, www.shreejagannath.in, for bookings and has launched an awareness campaign to prevent further scams. The temple administration is also working on enhancing the security features of its online booking system.
This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud and the need for vigilance when making online transactions. The Crime Branch has requested tourists to report any suspicious booking platforms to the authorities.
