Cyber tricksters cash in on Mahakumbh via fake websites, 30 complaints received

3 FIRS LODGED SINCE THE MEGA EVENT BEGAN; FOUR ARRESTED BEFORE MAHAKUMBH

- Kenneth John

MAHAKUMBH NAGAR (PRAYAGRAJ): Cyber tricksters are cashing in on the Mahakumbh through scams ranging from fake online booking of cottages, tents and other luxury accommodations to transportation on rent, swindling devotees out of several lakh rupees, according to police officials.

As the mega religious event draws to an end on February 26, nearly 30 complaints have been received from the devotees in this connection since the mega event began last month.

Even before the Mahakumbh began, in one such case on December 27, Civil Lines police had busted a gang of cyber fraudsters involved in fake booking of cottages and tents for Mahakumbh.

This was about two weeks before the Mahakumbh began with the Paush Purnima Snan on January 13.

Prayagraj's deputy commissioner of police (city) Abhishek Bharti said four people were arrested in connection with five cases of fraud carried out through fake websites.

During the probe, police recovered laptops, Android mobile phones and ATM cards from the possession of the arrested persons.

The police official said the accused had lured gullible devotees by offering attractive boarding and lodging packages on their fake website.