Odisha Police Intensifies Cyber Safety Drive in Puri During Rath Yatra

Puri: With the nine‑day Rath Yatra attracting thousands of devotees, Odisha Police’s Cyber Safety and Response Team has stepped up vigilance to safeguard pilgrims, tourists, and locals from online fraud.

As part of the drive, officers visited six major hotels in Puri, sensitising management about fake booking scams and issuing advisories to strengthen website security.

More than 1,290 pilgrims and tourists were directly engaged through pamphlet distribution and awareness campaigns highlighting common cyber fraud tactics.

On July 19, police successfully took down seven fake hotel websites that were misleading devotees with fraudulent bookings.

Additionally, mobile phone missing complaints were registered on the CEIR portal during the campaign.

Authorities have urged visitors to verify hotel bookings only through genuine sources, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from sharing personal or financial details with unverified platforms.

The intensified cyber safety measures aim to ensure a secure and peaceful experience for all during the Rath Yatra festivities.