Puri Police Launch Cyber Awareness Drive Ahead of Rath Yatra 2026

Puri Police has issued a special cyber safety advisory ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra 2026, cautioning devotees and tourists against online fraud.

With lakhs of pilgrims expected to visit the holy city, the police highlighted the growing risk of fake websites, duplicate booking portals, and fraudulent donation drives targeting festival participants.

The advisory urges citizens to book hotels and travel only through verified platforms, avoid clicking suspicious links, and refrain from sharing OTPs, banking details, or personal information with unknown sources.

Devotees are also advised to verify donation links before contributing to temples or charitable causes.

To strengthen vigilance, Puri Police has introduced a chatbot helpline at 8763199400 for reporting suspicious activity.

Emergency assistance remains available via 112.

Officials emphasised that awareness and caution are the best defences against cybercrime, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Rath Yatra experience.