Odisha Police Block 46 Fake Rath Yatra Hotel Booking Websites

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Odisha Police blocked 46 fake websites allegedly involved in hotel booking fraud.
The cyber action followed complaints from tourists planning to visit Puri for Rath Yatra.
Police have urged devotees to verify booking platforms before making online payments.

PURI: The fake rath yatra hotel websites crackdown has intensified ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, with the Odisha Police Crime Branch blocking at least 46 fraudulent websites allegedly used to cheat tourists seeking hotel accommodation in Puri. The cyber operation was launched after authorities received multiple complaints of online booking fraud from visitors planning to attend the world-famous festival.

Officials said the Crime Branch’s Cyber Cell identified the fake portals during an investigation into complaints involving fraudulent hotel reservations and advance payments.

Fake Rath Yatra Hotel Websites Target Pilgrims Booking Accommodation

Police said several tourists were allegedly deceived after making online payments through fake hotel booking websites that falsely claimed to offer accommodation and other travel-related services during Rath Yatra.

According to the investigation:

The Crime Branch has blocked 46 fake hotel booking websites.
The websites allegedly targeted pilgrims planning to visit Puri during Rath Yatra.
The cyber action followed complaints of online accommodation fraud from multiple tourists.

In one reported case, a tourist from Rajasthan allegedly booked three hotel rooms for his family through a fraudulent website and later realised he had been cheated.

Why the Fake Rath Yatra Hotel Websites Crackdown Matters

Every year, lakhs of devotees visit Puri for Rath Yatra, leading to a sharp increase in online hotel bookings. Fraudsters often exploit the surge in demand by creating fake booking portals that imitate genuine hotels and travel services.

The second-order impact of the police action is expected to improve cyber safety for pilgrims and discourage organised online fraud during major religious events. Authorities are also expected to continue monitoring suspicious websites and digital payment channels throughout the festival period.

Police have advised devotees to verify hotel websites, confirm bookings directly with hotels whenever possible and avoid transferring money to unknown bank accounts or payment links without proper verification. The investigation into the fraud network is continuing, and further action may follow as more evidence emerges.

Also Read | Puri Devasnan Purnima Traffic Advisory Issued for Devotees

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