Fraudsters Dupe Delhi Devotees Visiting Srisailam
The victims later lodged a written complaint at the Srisailam police station. Police said a case has been registered and an investigation is underway to identify those involved and take appropriate action.
Kurnool: In a case of cyber fraud targeting pilgrims, a group of devotees from Delhi was allegedly duped through a fake website while booking accommodation at Srisailam.
According to officials, Anand Kumar, a resident of Delhi, had booked nine AC rooms at Mallikarjuna Sadan through an online website and paid Rs.15,000 via a banking app.
On Saturday, a group of 27 devotees from Delhi arrived in Srisailam from Hyderabad in a tourist bus, expecting confirmed accommodation. However, when they contacted authorities at Mallikarjuna Sadan, they were informed that no such booking had been made.
The devotees then realised they had fallen victim to an online scam.
Officials said cyber criminals are increasingly targeting pilgrims, particularly visitors from northern states, by creating fake websites resembling genuine temple accommodation booking portals.
The matter was brought to the notice of temple executive officer Srinivasa Rao, who immediately arranged accommodation and food for the stranded devotees.
The victims later lodged a written complaint at the Srisailam police station. Police said a case has been registered and an investigation is underway to identify those involved and take appropriate action.