Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): In a major cyber crackdown ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the Odisha Crime Branch has blocked 50 fraudulent hotel booking websites over the past week to protect devotees from online accommodation scams.
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The action was initiated following multiple complaints received through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, amid a surge in online fraud targeting pilgrims planning to visit Puri for the grand festival scheduled on July 16.
Officials said cybercriminals had been creating cloned versions of genuine hotel and lodge websites to deceive unsuspecting travellers. These fake portals reportedly offered attractive room tariffs, discounted accommodation packages and even bogus VIP darshan facilities to lure devotees into making advance payments through digital wallets and UPI platforms.
Investigations revealed that the fraudulent websites were designed to secure prominent visibility in online search results, thereby increasing the chances of duping pilgrims searching for accommodation in Puri.
According to police sources, online accommodation fraud has emerged as a growing concern in Odisha. Over the past year, at least 30 tourists reportedly lost nearly Rs 5 lakh after falling prey to fake hotel booking scams. In the last two weeks alone, four pilgrims were allegedly duped of around Rs 35,000 through similar frauds.
With lakhs of devotees expected to converge in Puri for Rath Yatra, authorities fear that the scale of cyber fraud could rise significantly if preventive measures are not strengthened.
Following the crackdown, the Crime Branch has intensified cyber patrolling and launched extensive awareness campaigns across the state. Devotees have been advised to verify the authenticity of hotel websites, avoid making payments to unverified accounts and report suspicious portals immediately.
Officials urged the public to use only authorised booking platforms or directly contact hotels through verified channels. Any cyber fraud or suspicious activity can be reported through the cyber helpline number 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
The Crime Branch reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting Puri during the world-famous Rath Yatra festival.
