Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Puri Cyber Police has taken important action to address online fraud instances that target followers of Lord Jagannath and the Shree Mandir as part of its resolute commitment to battle cybercrime. The Cyber Police received 408 complaints about online financial theft between January and August 2025, which were connected to phony websites and services that preyed on religious feelings. The Puri Cyber Police have suspended 66 social media profiles linked to scam activities, deactivated 125 fraudulent websites, and seized 390 bank accounts, according to an official news release. Four people have been taken into custody thus far on suspicion of participating in these internet frauds.
Over the weekend, two phony websites that impersonated Jagannath Temple services were found and removed, marking the most recent intervention. The website Pujapariseva.com was discovered to be providing fraudulent “special puja services” at the Temple on August 30. The location is presently being investigated after a complaint led to the Singhdwar Police Station filing a case (Case No. 134/2025).
Another webpage, indathrils/jagannath-puri-darshan/, was found to be providing phony “special darshan” services the next day, August 31. After the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) filed an official complaint, the Cyber Police Station registered Case No. 18/2025. Since then, the website has been banned immediately. The Puri Police have issued a warning to pilgrims and tourists to only use approved platforms for temple-related services in light of the growing number of frauds. The news announcement stressed that “only use official, trusted platforms for temple-related services.”
The following helplines have been made available for public assistance:
- Cyber Police Station: 8280491300
- Tourist Helpline: 6370967100
- Emergency Services: Dial 112
