Gujarat Police Expose Fake Pilgrimage Booking Scam Affecting 22,000 People
Gujarat Police report 21,985 individuals impacted by 126 fraudulent pilgrimage booking websites.
Gujarat Police say 21,985 individuals were impacted by a network of over 126 fraudulent pilgrimage booking websites that collected advance payments for accommodation without delivering services.
Arrests and Suspects
The cybercrime unit of Gujarat Police arrested two suspects linked to the scheme, which targeted travelers seeking lodging near major religious sites. The accused, identified as Vicky Kumar Gupta, 34, from Delhi, and Shailesh Saini, 24, from Rajasthan, allegedly created deceptive websites mimicking legitimate dharamshalas, ashrams, trusts, and hotels.
Deceptive Website Tactics
These platforms used copied branding, images, and visual elements to appear authentic, luring users into paying deposits for rooms that were never provided. The investigation began after more than 70 complaints were filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Authorities used technical analysis and intelligence gathering to trace the operation, which spanned multiple regions.
Fraudulent Website Operations
The fraudulent websites were designed to mimic official booking systems for pilgrimage destinations such as Somnath, Dwarka, Tirupati, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. The suspects reportedly posed as authorized representatives of these establishments, collecting payments online under false pretenses.
Operational Infrastructure
Police revealed that the network operated through six administrative control panels, enabling the accused to modify contact details and website content dynamically. This infrastructure allowed the scheme to function across multiple locations rather than being confined to a single area.
Impact and Conclusion
Over 7,000 victims were reported from Gujarat, with the remaining affected individuals spread across other Indian states. The case highlights the growing prevalence of cyber-enabled fraud in the travel and religious tourism sectors. Both arrested suspects are currently under investigation, with legal proceedings ongoing. Authorities continue to examine the full scope of the network, including the extent of financial losses and the methods used to deceive users. The case underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of online booking platforms, particularly for high-demand pilgrimage sites.
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