Puri, Jul 11: Odisha Crime Branch and Cyber Police on Saturday launched the 'Cyber Rath' awareness campaign in Puri ahead of Rath Yatra 2026, urging devotees to verify hotel booking websites before making online payments as cyber fraudsters increasingly target pilgrims through fake websites, social media pages and fraudulent mobile applications.

The Cyber Rath was flagged off by Crime Branch IG Sarthak Sarangi and Puri SP Prateek Singh in front of Puri Town Police Station. The awareness vehicle will travel across different parts of the town to educate devotees, tourists, hotel owners and locals about cyber fraud and precautionary measures.

Verify Hotel Websites Before Booking
Police appealed to devotees planning to visit Puri for Rath Yatra to exercise caution while booking hotels online and verify the authenticity of hotel websites before making payments.

Cyber criminals are allegedly using fake websites, Google search results, social media platforms and fraudulent mobile applications to deceive pilgrims searching for accommodation during the festival.

Officials advised people not to trust suspicious links, advertisements or attractive offers and to book rooms only through authorised hotel websites.

Victims of cyber fraud have been urged to immediately report the incident by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930. 

Hundreds of Fake Websites Identified
As part of its crackdown on online fraud, the Crime Branch and Cyber Cell have identified and taken down 212 fake hotel booking websites and 26 fake web pages targeting Rath Yatra pilgrims.

Officials said that 50 fake websites and all 26 fake web pages were blocked in June alone as part of the intensified cyber surveillance ahead of the festival.

Police have also sensitised the Puri Hotel and Restaurant Association and requested its members to provide immediate accommodation, wherever possible, to devotees who become victims of fraudulent hotel booking scams.

Also Read: NSG Unit, 15 CAPF Companies & 13,000 Cops: All About Puri's Massive Rath Yatra Security Cover

Anti-Snatching Teams, Facial Recognition System
With lakhs of devotees expected to congregate in Puri, Odisha Police is also strengthening security against street crimes.

Dedicated anti-snatching teams will be deployed to prevent chain-snatching incidents in crowded areas. A facial recognition system will also be used to help identify and track habitual offenders during the festival.

Action Against Fake Religious Donation Appeals
The Crime Branch has also acted against fraudulent online donation campaigns exploiting religious sentiments during Rath Yatra.

According to Crime Branch IG Sarthak Sarangi, the Cyber Cell and Crime Branch have taken down four websites accused of seeking donations through misleading Facebook advertisements in the name of 'Tulsi' offerings, 'Sudarshan Homa' and food distribution for devotees.

Police have urged devotees to remain vigilant against such fraudulent campaigns and verify the authenticity of any online donation request before making payments.

The Cyber Rath campaign forms part of Odisha Police's broader effort to ensure a safe and secure Rath Yatra by creating awareness about emerging cyber threats alongside physical security measures.