The Criminal Investigation Department of Odisha Police (CID-CB) has arrested two individuals from Rajasthan for their role in a sophisticated online hotel booking scam targeting pilgrims heading to Puri.
The accused—Aamir Khan (24) of Alwar and Yusuf (27) of Bharatpur—created a fraudulent website named along with a fake contact number to lure unsuspecting travellers into booking accommodations at Neeladri Bhakta Nivas. Victims were directed to mule bank accounts to transfer funds, completely unbeknownst to the actual hotel authorities.
The investigation began after complaints were flagged by the Chief Administrator of the Sri Jagannath Temple and uncovered by the SHO of Cyber Crime PS, CID-CB. Leading the probe, Inspector Abantimani Nayak and team traced the digital evidence and transaction trails to Rajasthan. The accused were presented at the Govindgarh Court and brought to Odisha on transit remand. A third conspirator had already been nabbed from Agra earlier.
The case is registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, with further inquiry underway. Authorities have issued a caution to the public to avoid booking through unverified sources and to report cyber frauds immediately via helpline number 1930 or the nearest police station.
