Puri, Aug 30: In yet another alarming case of cyber fraud, a fake mobile application has surfaced, claiming to offer online puja services and sacred offerings (Nirmalya) from the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The app, allegedly named “Puja Pariseva,” has been advertising various paid rituals, misleading thousands of devotees into believing they could perform sacred rites remotely.

The app reportedly offered four types of pujas, each priced differently — from ₹801 for basic offerings to ₹11,501 for elaborate rituals like “Atika Bandha.”

However, senior servitors of the temple have strongly condemned the app, clarifying that no such online puja system exists at the Shree Jagannath Temple.

Concerned by the growing number of complaints, the temple administration, district authorities, and Puri police have taken the matter seriously. Senior servitors have demanded immediate and strict action against the fraudulent platform, which they say is exploiting the faith and devotion of innocent worshippers.

Puri SP Prateek Singh confirmed that the police are investigating the scam with urgency. Cyber experts have been roped in to conduct a detailed probe into the app’s operations, which are suspected to be based out of West Bengal. Once the investigation concludes, legal action will be taken against the perpetrators.

This incident adds to a worrying trend of digital scams targeting religious sentiments. Devotees are urged to remain cautious and verify the authenticity of any online platforms claiming to represent the temple.