Sri Jagannath Temple files case against web portal “India Thrills” for charging money for Puja Services

Puri, Sep 2 (UNI) The Sri Jagannath Temple administration has lodged a criminal complaint against a commercial web portal, India Thrills, for allegedly cheating devotees by accepting money to facilitate darshan and puja inside the temple.
Temple Security Officer Hemant Padhi filed the complaint at the Cyber Police Station, accusing the portal of offering paid services for priority darshan as well as special rituals such as Tulasi Daan Puja, Manasik Puja, and Abhishek Puja.

According to the complaint, the portal charges devotees between Rs 5,001 and Rs 7,500 for different services, and around Rs 4,500 for performing a special puja of the Holy Trinity. The site also provides general information on the temple’s history, deities, and religious significance in Hinduism.

Taking the matter seriously, the temple administration filed the complaint, which has now been registered at the Cyber Police Station. Puri Superintendent of Police Pratik Singh termed it a “serious issue” and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) has been assigned to probe the case.

This incident follows a similar case last week, when another online platform, Puja Pari Seba, was caught illegally trading in Sukhuli (dry Mahaprasad) and Nirmalya. Several other violations, including unauthorised photography inside restricted temple areas using spy cameras, have also surfaced on social media.

While offenders often escaped with minor fines or warnings due to weak legal provisions, the temple administration has recently urged the Odisha government to amend the Sri Jagannath Temple Act. The proposal seeks stricter penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines, to deter such violations. The matter is currently pending with the government.