Daijiworld Media Network – Byndoor

Byndoor, Nov 5: A case has been registered after fraudsters allegedly created a duplicate website in the name of Sri Mookambika Temple, Kollur, to cheat devotees booking accommodation online. The scam came to light after several pilgrims complained of losing money through bogus room reservations.

According to the complaint lodged by Prashanth Kumar Shetty, executive officer of the Sri Mookambika Temple, the temple’s official accommodation portal is www.karnatakatemplesaccommodation.com. However, a group of unidentified persons reportedly set up an unauthorised fake website titled 'Karnataka Temple Accommodation' with the clear intent of making unlawful profits.

“The fraudulent site looked identical to the original one and was designed to mislead devotees,” the complaint stated. The accused allegedly offered room bookings at the Lalithambika Guest House, collected payments through PhonePe QR codes sent over WhatsApp, and issued counterfeit receipts to unsuspecting devotees.

Many pilgrims discovered the deception only after reaching the temple, where their names were missing from the official booking records.

Acting on the complaint, the Kollur police have registered a case under Section 66(c) of the Information Technology Act and Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police have initiated an investigation to trace the culprits behind the fake website and the associated digital transactions.

Authorities have urged devotees to verify bookings only through the temple’s official website and remain cautious of online fraudsters targeting religious tourists.