The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Odisha Police has arrested two individuals from Rajasthan — Aamir Khan (24) and Yusuf (27) — for operating a fake hotel booking website targeting tourists in Puri.
According to officials, the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into an online scam where unsuspecting pilgrims were duped while trying to book accommodations near the Jagannath Temple. An earlier arrest in the same case led to the capture of Anshuman Sharma from Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
The scam came to light after the Chief Administrator of Jagannath Temple lodged a complaint, prompting the CID to launch a probe.
Investigators revealed that the fraudsters had built a counterfeit website resembling a legitimate hotel site, complete with a contact number and false assurances of room availability. Victims were misled into transferring money to mule bank accounts. The actual hotel authorities had no knowledge of the fake bookings and were flooded with complaints.
The two accused were presented before a local court in Govindgarh, Alwar, Rajasthan. After obtaining transit remand, CID officials brought them to Odisha for further legal proceedings.
CID Odisha has issued a public advisory urging travelers to verify hotel websites and booking platforms, especially when dealing with unfamiliar properties, to avoid falling prey to cyber fraud.
