Puri: In a determined effort to combat cybercrime, the Puri Cyber Police has taken significant steps to address online fraud cases targeting devotees of Lord Jagannath and the Shree Mandir. Between January and August 2025, the Cyber Police received 408 complaints involving online monetary fraud linked to fake websites and services exploiting religious sentiments.
According to an official press release, the Puri Cyber Police have frozen 390 bank accounts, disabled 125 fraudulent websites, and blocked 66 social media accounts connected to scam operations. So far, four individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in these online scams.
The most recent intervention occurred over the weekend, when two fake websites impersonating services related to the Jagannath Temple were identified and taken down.
On August 30, the website Pujapariseva.com was found offering illegitimate “special puja services” at the Temple. Following a complaint, a case was registered at the Singhdwar Police Station (Case No. 134/2025), and the site is currently under investigation.
The following day, August 31, another portal—indiathrils/jagannath-puri-darshan/—was discovered offering fake “special darshan” services. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) lodged a formal complaint, leading to the registration of Case No. 18/2025 at the Cyber Police Station. The website has since been blocked with immediate effect.
In response to the rising number of scams, the Puri Police have issued an advisory urging pilgrims and tourists to rely solely on official platforms for temple-related services. “Only use trusted, official platforms for temple-related services,” the press release emphasized.
The following helplines have been made available for public assistance:
- Cyber Police Station: 8280491300
- Tourist Helpline: 6370967100
- Emergency Services: Dial 112
Additionally, hoteliers and tourism service providers have been asked to monitor the misuse of their brand names online and report any suspicious activities.
“Ensuring the safety and trust of devotees is our top priority. Strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to exploit people’s faith,” the press release stated.
