4 Arrested for Running Fake Maha Kumbh Website, Scamming People with Tent and Hotel Bookings

The Prayagraj Police arrested four individuals for running a network of fake websites impersonating official Maha Kumbh portals. The gang, comprising skilled fraudsters, operated a total of nine fraudulent websites to deceive people by offering tent and hotel bookings for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela.

The Arrest and Expose

Prayagraj City Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abhishek Bharti, unveiled the case during a press briefing at the police line on Friday. He revealed that the police had been tracking the gang after receiving complaints of fraudulent activities. On November 22, a formal case was registered, leading to the identification and subsequent arrest of four suspects: the alleged mastermind, hailing from Nalanda, Bihar, two residents of Varanasi and a resident of Azamgarh.

The police disclosed that the four accused, all possessing diploma degrees in technology, were formerly employed at a website development firm in Varanasi. Using their expertise, they created convincing fake portals to lure unsuspecting tourists planning their pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh.

Seized Evidence

The cybercrime team confiscated critical evidence during the operation, including:

• Three laptops
• Two mobile phones
• ATM cards linked to their fraudulent transactions

Authorities have also frozen the gang’s bank accounts, which contained Rs 20,000, believed to be proceeds from their illicit activities.

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Details of the Fraud

DCP Bharti emphasized that the key conspirator behind the operation, orchestrating the creation and management of the nine websites. The fraudulent sites were designed to closely mimic authentic platforms, tricking visitors into making payments for accommodations that did not exist.

Further Investigations

The police noted that this arrest is just the beginning. On December 26, four additional cases were registered at the Cyber Police Station regarding similar scams, believed to be run by another gang. Investigations are underway to dismantle this separate network and bring all culprits to justice.

A Warning to the Public

The Prayagraj Police have urged the public to exercise caution while booking services online and verify websites before making transactions, especially for high-profile events like the Maha Kumbh. The crackdown serves as a reminder of the growing need for vigilance in the digital age.