Key Points
- Surge in online fraud targeting devotees booking rooms near Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
- Recent victim lost ₹6,200 after booking accommodation through a fake number found on YouTube.
- Fraudsters demand advance payments via barcode/scan code, then disappear.
- Multiple similar scams reported, raising concerns over Ujjain’s reputation as a religious destination.
- Devotees demand stricter action and better safeguards from local authorities.
Ujjain: Ujjain, home to the revered Mahakaleshwar temple, is witnessing a disturbing rise in online fraud cases targeting pilgrims. Unsuspecting devotees, eager to secure accommodation for their spiritual journey, are falling prey to scammers posing as legitimate booking agents online.
Latest Incident: Family From Chhindwara Cheated
In a recent case, a devotee traveling from Chhindwara with family and friends booked a stay at the well-known Madhav Seva Nyas after finding a contact number (9928608027) on YouTube. The scammer, posing as a booking agent, demanded ₹6,200 in advance first ₹3,150 via a barcode scan, then the remaining ₹3,000 after threatening that no room would be allotted without full payment.
Upon arrival in Ujjain, the devotee discovered there was no booking in his name. Repeated calls to the number went unanswered, confirming the fraud. The victim has since lodged a complaint with the local police.
A Pattern of Deceit: Not an Isolated Case
This is not the first such incident. Several devotees have reported similar experiences, with scammers repeatedly demanding more money and using threats to coerce full payment. In another recent case, women pilgrims from Maharashtra were left stranded at the railway station overnight after falling victim to a similar scam.
Impact on Ujjain’s Religious Image
The Mahakaleshwar temple draws thousands of devotees from across India. However, the growing number of fraud cases is tarnishing Ujjain’s reputation as a safe and welcoming pilgrimage destination. Devotees are now increasingly anxious about their safety and the authenticity of online bookings.
Devotees Demand Action
The recurring scams have prompted calls for stricter regulation and oversight of online booking services related to religious tourism. Pilgrims are urging the administration to:
- Crack down on fake booking websites and fraudulent contact numbers.
- Provide official, verified booking channels for temple accommodations.
- Launch awareness campaigns to educate devotees about safe booking practices.
