Ahead of Rath Yatra, Crime Branch takes down 11 fake websites for booking hotels
BHUBANESWAR: Ahead of Rath Yatra, the Crime Branch of Odisha Police took down 11 fake hotel booking websites to ensure pilgrims and tourists have a hassle free experience during the festival.
The agency received 317 complaints through cyber crime helpline number in the last few days about the fake hotel booking websites and went after them.
Many fake websites mimicked the portals of famous hotels and those run by Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). Some of the fake websites removed include , https://hotel-panthanivas-puri-otdc.hotelsgds.com, and among others.
Sources said the social media team of CB has been continuously monitoring online platforms to detect fake hotel booking websites. 'We are keeping a close eye on such fake websites. Once such websites comes to our notice, immediate action is taken to bring them down. To ensure safety of citizens and to keep them informed, awareness posts on fake hotel booking scams are being shared across our cyber safety social media platforms,' said the CB in a statement on Wednesday.
Lately, hotel booking scams have witnessed a rise in the state, especially in Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Fraudsters have been creating fake websites and social media pages that look genuine, offer cheap rates. They also demand full payment via UPI, wallets or bank transfers using fake customer care numbers and receipts.
The probe agency said many such fake sites appear on top of Google search results, making difficult to ascertain their genuineness. Victims often realise about the scam only after reaching the hotels. Several complaints regarding fraudulent hotel deals have been received through helpline 1930 and from various government departments as well as the hotel owners.
Meanwhile, it has issued an advisory to visitors to book hotels only through verified platforms like Make My Trip, Goibibo, Booking.com or official tourism websites.
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May Lord Jagannath bless you with peace, prosperity, and protection on this holy Rath Yatra. 2. Let us bow our heads in devotion to the Lord of the Universe—Happy Rath Yatra! 3. On this sacred occasion of Rath Yatra, may you be showered with divine blessings from Lord Jagannath. Jai Jagannath! (X/@rosepetal_wink) 4. May the wheels of Lord Jagannath's chariot remove all obstacles from your life. 5. May your faith in Lord Jagannath lead you to a path of righteousness and joy. 6. As the Lord begins His journey, may He walk beside you in every step of life. 7. Jai Jagannath! Let this Rath Yatra bring spiritual awakening and divine grace into your life. 8. Wishing you a spiritually uplifting Rath Yatra filled with devotion and peace. 9. Let us celebrate the journey of divinity with love, faith, and devotion. 10. May Lord Jagannath's chariot take away all your worries and bring you bliss. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Traditional wishes 11. 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May Lord Jagannath bless you with strength in tough times and joy in good times. 22. Sending divine blessings your way on this sacred Rath Yatra. 23. Wishing you and your loved ones peace, prosperity, and a path guided by divine light. 24. On Rath Yatra, may the Lord bestow endless happiness on your family. 25. Let this divine journey fill your heart with love, light, and peace. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025. (Canva) 26. May your faith in Lord Jagannath keep you safe and fulfilled always. 27. Wishing you spiritual strength and emotional serenity this Rath Yatra. 28. Let your life be filled with love as endless as the Lord's mercy. 29. On this sacred day, may you be surrounded by love, family, and spiritual grace. 30. May this divine chariot carry away all your sorrows and bring blessings in abundance. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Social media-friendly wishes 31. Jai Jagannath! Let's celebrate faith, unity, and tradition this Rath Yatra 2025! 32. 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