Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown, Puri police have arrested 11 men over the past five days for allegedly extorting devotees and deceiving them with promises of seamless darshan at the Jagannath Temple, Puri SP Prateek Singh confirmed on Friday. The accused misled unsuspecting pilgrims by demanding money for quick access to the shrine, bypassing queues and security checks.
Details of the Arrests
Police officials stated that five individuals were apprehended on Thursday and three on Friday. The suspects posed as assistants and guides of temple servitors, luring devotees with claims of special darshan for a fee. Singh told reporters, "We have arrested 11 men in the last five days. They operated by deceiving pilgrims with false promises."
Modus Operandi
The accused, hailing from various parts of Puri district, charged between Rs 200 and Rs 500 per devotee. Some even dressed like genuine servitors to trick visitors, particularly those from West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. A police officer noted, "In several cases, they took money and disappeared into the crowd, leaving victims waiting for hours." Refusal to pay often led to verbal abuse and intimidation. The groups operated outside the temple, near bus stands, railway stations, and along Grand Road.
Police Appeal
Singh urged devotees to avoid such fraudsters and strictly follow official darshan protocols. The crackdown is part of broader efforts to safeguard the shrine's sanctity and protect pilgrims from exploitation. "We will continue to act firmly against anyone attempting to exploit faith for profit," he added.
Servitors' Concerns
Servitors reported that the problem has worsened since the reopening of all four temple gates in June 2024. Shayma Mohapatra, a servitor, stated, "The rush has multiplied, queues stretch for hours, and fraudsters are exploiting the hardship. Fake servitors are cashing in on the crisis. The administration should streamline the darshan system for devotees' convenience."
