Odisha CID Nabs Two from Rajasthan for Running Fake Hotel Website to Cheat Puri Tourists

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Odisha Police has arrested two individuals from Rajasthan for allegedly creating a fake website impersonating a hotel in Puri to cheat unsuspecting tourists.

The accused, identified as Aamir Khan (24) and Yusuf (27), were nabbed following an investigation into a cyber fraud case that targeted pilgrims and tourists planning to visit the holy town of Puri.

According to an official statement released by the CID on Monday, the duo, along with a previously arrested accused Anshuman Sharma from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, had been operating an online scam by developing and promoting a fraudulent hotel website. The site mimicked a legitimate Puri hotel’s online presence and was used to extract advance payments from tourists seeking accommodation.

The case came to light after a formal complaint was filed by the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), who alerted authorities about the fraudulent website and its impact on devotees.

Acting swiftly, the CID launched a cyber investigation, traced the digital footprints of the scammers, and conducted coordinated operations in Rajasthan leading to the arrest of the two culprits.

CID officials said more people may be involved in the racket and efforts are underway to identify other potential associates. Authorities have also urged the public to verify the authenticity of hotel booking platforms and use only trusted sources.

The arrests highlight the growing menace of cyber fraud in the tourism sector, especially in pilgrimage sites like Puri, which attracts lakhs of visitors annually.