Jaipur, Jan 11 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Police has released a warning for pilgrims heading to the upcoming Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, encouraging them to remain vigilant while using social media and to avoid falling victim to cyber criminals.
Devotees are recommended to secure their accommodations solely through official sources such as contact numbers and websites provided by state authorities, as cyber fraudsters have created traps to mislead them.
These criminals take advantage of hotel, dharamshalas, and guest house reservations by employing fake links and websites.
Hemant Priyadarshi, Director General of Police (Cyber Crime), stated that the Mahakumbh 2025 will commence in the Sangam city, Prayagraj, on January 13.
With millions of pilgrims anticipated throughout the 45-day event, online bookings for hotels, Dharamshala, and guest houses have already initiated, making it a prime target for cyber criminals.
"Cyber criminals are deploying fake websites and links to deceive devotees into paying for accommodations like hotels, Dharamshala, guest houses, and tent cities at unusually low prices. These fraudsters collect advance payments without providing any legitimate reservations. The online booking of hotels, Dharamshala, and cottages, as well as guest houses and tent cities constructed in the Kumbh area for the accommodation of devotees attending Mahakumbh, has commenced, prompting cyber criminals to become active concerning online bookings," explained Priyadarshi.
Cyber fraudsters are perpetrating scams by targeting pilgrims traveling to the Mahakumbh with false links and websites under the guise of booking hotels, Dharamshala, tent cities, and cottages at discounted rates, taking money from individuals in the name of advance payments, he added.
For public safety, DGP Priyadarshi stressed that online bookings should only be conducted through the official links provided by Uttar Pradesh Police.
The official list, which contains the names, addresses, and contact information of verified accommodations, is accessible on the official website https://kumbh.gov.in/en/Wheretostaylist.
If individuals fall victim to such cyber fraud, they can lodge a complaint via the national helpline number '1930' or the official cybercrime website www.cybercrime.gov.in.
