Bhubaneswar: The Cyber Crime Unit of the CID, Crime Branch Odisha, has arrested two persons, including the prime accused, for allegedly creating a fraudulent website to scam unsuspecting pilgrims seeking accommodation at Niladri Bhakta Nivas in Puri.
The accused, Anshuman Sharma (24), the prime suspect, and Aravind Kumar (35) from Uttar Pradesh, were apprehended following an investigation triggered by a formal complaint from the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
According to an official press release, the complaint was filed after numerous reports from the public and devotees about a fake website, www.neeladribhaktanivas.in, that had been misdirecting pilgrims. The website was found to be redirecting visitors to a WhatsApp number, where they were promised accommodation at Niladri Bhakta Nivas in exchange for online payments.
The fraudulent site was reportedly associated with a savings bank account (Account No: 110217193478) at Canara Bank, where payments were being deposited.
Following a detailed investigation, the Cyber Crime Unit used technical tools to trace the hosting company of the fake website, which led them to discover that Anshuman Sharma had created the website on May 22, 2024. The site was quickly taken down after the complaint was filed.
Aravind Kumar, whose bank account was used for receiving the illicit payments, was also identified during the investigation.
In connection with the case, police have seized several items from the accused, including a laptop, mobile phones, SIM cards, documents related to the Niladri Bhakta Nivas website, as well as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, GoDaddy hosting information, and the SIM card used to register the fraudulent website.
The Crime Branch has vowed to continue its efforts to crack down on online fraudsters targeting pilgrims and other vulnerable groups.
