The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has officially lodged a complaint at the Cyber Police Station in Puri against a mobile application named ‘Hari Omm’, alleging that it misled devotees by offering fake VIP Darshan bookings at the revered Srimandir temple.
According to SJTA sources, the app falsely claimed affiliation with the temple’s administrative body and promoted paid VIP Darshan slots for devotees—charging exorbitant amounts under false pretences. Concerned over the deception and potential exploitation of faith, the SJTA categorically clarified that it has no connection with any such application, and no official digital platform offers VIP Darshan services.
“Devotees were reportedly cheated in the name of Lord Jagannath. Such manipulation of religious sentiment through unauthorised means cannot be tolerated,” a senior SJTA official stated.
The temple administration has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and urged devotees to remain vigilant against online scams pretending to offer privileged access to the deities.
Cyber police have initiated a preliminary inquiry and may soon issue advisories regarding fraudulent platforms exploiting religious events and rituals.
This is not the first instance of cyber misuse linked to Srimandir. In recent months, multiple reports have surfaced about unauthorised filming and monetisation inside the temple premises, prompting stronger digital surveillance protocols from temple authorities.
SJTA further requested devotees to rely only on verified sources and official announcements for darshan procedures at Srimandir.
