Rajasthan Students Arrested in Gujarat for Fake Somnath Trust Booking Scam

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Gujarat Police Dismantle Sophisticated Cyber Fraud Network Targeting Pilgrims

A coordinated effort by the Gujarat Police has led to the arrest of six college students from Rajasthan, who were allegedly operating a complex cyber fraud scheme that preyed on unsuspecting pilgrims seeking accommodations at guest houses managed by the Shree Somnath Trust in Gujarat.

The Scam

The scam, which is estimated to have resulted in losses of approximately ₹20 lakh, involved the creation of four fake websites that closely resembled the official Somnath Trust booking portal. These websites, which were promoted through paid online advertisements, featured identical layouts, logos, and photos of the real guest houses, making them appear legitimate to potential victims.

The accused used advanced tactics to convince victims of the authenticity of the fake websites, including the use of AI-generated booking receipts and the display of mobile numbers controlled by the group. Victims were directed to make advance payments through QR codes, UPI, and bank transfers, and in some cases, were misled by links that appeared to offer online pooja or donation services.

Investigation and Arrests

A technical investigation by the State Cyber Centre of Excellence revealed that the fake websites were created to target pilgrims seeking accommodations at guest houses such as Sagar Darshan, Maheshwari, and Lilavati. The investigation also uncovered a wider network of similar fake booking sites allegedly created in the names of other religious organisations and sites, including ISKCON in Vrindavan, Kashi Vishwanath, and Nathdwara.

The six suspects, identified as Sachin Harsana, Abhishek Upadhyay, Rajkumar Pratap, Shersingh Madhav Gurjar, and Vishnukum Avatar, were arrested at a rented property in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where they had been operating the scheme for around five months. Bank account analyses and digital transaction records linked the accused to more than 90 cyber fraud complaints across India.

Warning to Pilgrims and Visitors

The Gujarat Police have warned pilgrims and visitors to only make accommodation bookings through the Trust’s official website and to verify the authenticity of online platforms before making payments. The Trust has not authorised any third-party platforms, including Agoda or similar services, for bookings. Authorities have also urged the public to remain vigilant, as fake websites and fraudulent payment channels are common tools used by cybercriminals to target unsuspecting travellers and devotees.

Importance of Awareness and Caution

The arrests and subsequent investigation have highlighted the need for increased awareness and caution when making online transactions, particularly when it comes to sensitive information such as payment details and personal data. As the use of technology continues to evolve, it is essential for individuals and organisations to stay informed about the latest threats and take proactive steps to protect themselves from cybercrime.