Website booked in Puri for allegedly duping Jagannath devotees

By A Staff Reporter

The Cyber Police Station in Puri, Odisha, has registered a case against a website accused of misleading devotees of Lord Jagannath and collecting money under the guise of arranging darshan at the historic Jagannath Temple. A senior police officer confirmed the action on Monday, stating that investigations are underway to identify those behind the operation.

According to police, the website allegedly lured devotees by promising them hassle-free access to the 12th-century shrine and charged fees for purported services. Several complaints were filed after devotees realised that no such arrangements existed and that they had been misled.

Authorities clarified that the Jagannath Temple does not authorise any private website or agency to facilitate darshan or related services. All official arrangements for devotees are managed directly by the temple administration.

“The website was extracting money by exploiting the faith of devotees. We have booked the case and initiated necessary steps to track the operators,” the officer said.

Police have urged devotees to remain cautious and to rely only on official temple channels for information regarding rituals, entry, and darshan. Efforts are also being made to block the fraudulent website and prevent further misuse.