A special police team from Karnataka has successfully arrested a 21-year-old man from Rajasthan for allegedly orchestrating an online scam targeting devotees of the renowned Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur. The accused created a fraudulent website mimicking the temple's official portal to dupe people seeking advance room bookings.
The Elaborate Online Fraud
The scam came to light after the temple's executive officer filed a formal complaint. According to the complaint, unidentified individuals had designed a fake website that bore a close resemblance to the authentic website of the Sri Mookambika Temple. This deceptive site was used to fraudulently collect money from devotees by offering them the facility to book rooms in advance. After receiving payments, the scammer would issue fake receipts, leaving the devotees cheated and with no legitimate booking.
Based on this complaint, the Kollur police registered a formal case on November 3. The charges were filed under Sections 318(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the crucial Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which deal with identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources.
Formation of a Special Investigation Team
Given the sensitivity of the case—involving a prominent temple under the muzrai department and a clear instance of cybercrime—authorities swiftly formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The team operated under the guidance of Kundapur sub-division Deputy Superintendent of Police HD Kulkarni.
The investigation was led by Byndoor Circle Inspector Shivakumar B and Kundapur Rural Circle Inspector Santosh A Kaikini. They were assisted by Kollur Police Sub-Inspector Vinay M Korlahalli, Bhima Shankar Sinnur, and other dedicated staff. Personnel from both Kollur and Gangolli police stations were also integral to the operation.
Arrest and Seizure
The meticulous investigation led the police to Naseer Hussain, a 21-year-old resident of Tijara in Alwar district, Rajasthan. The police team tracked him down and placed him under arrest on December 19. During the arrest, a key piece of evidence was seized: the laptop allegedly used to create the fake website and carry out the fraudulent activities.
The accused was subsequently produced before the Byndoor court on December 20. After hearing the details of the case, the court ordered that he be remanded to judicial custody. This arrest highlights the increasing focus of law enforcement on cybercrime targeting religious institutions and their devotees.
The case serves as a stark warning for online users to exercise extreme caution when making digital payments, especially on websites claiming to represent trusted religious or charitable organizations. Devotees are advised to always double-check the URL and look for official security certifications before entering any financial details.
