Bhubaneswar, Ap 29: The Cyber Crime Unit of the CID Crime Branch, Odisha, has arrested two individuals, including the main accused, who created a fraudulent website impersonating Niladri Bhakta Nivas in an attempt to scam money from unsuspecting pilgrims seeking accommodation.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Anshuman Sharma, a resident of Kaharai in Uttar Pradesh’s Taj Ganj police station area, and Aravinda Kumar, from Manarth under the Kundu police station limits of Uttar Pradesh.
The case was registered by the Cyber Crime Unit under CID Crime Branch Cyber Crime PS Case No. 09 on March 10, 2025, following a formal complaint filed by the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri.
The complaint highlighted the existence of a fake website, www.neeladribhaktanivas.in, that was misleading pilgrims into believing they had secured accommodation at the famous Neeladri Bhakta Nivas in Puri.
Victims were redirected to a WhatsApp number where they were promised accommodation in exchange for online payment deposits.
The fraudsters were using a savings account (No. 110217193478) with Canara Bank to collect payments. Following an investigation, the Cyber Crime Unit traced the hosting company behind the fake website. It was discovered that Anshuman Sharma had created the fraudulent website on May 22, 2024. Upon the filing of the complaint, the website was swiftly taken down.
Further investigation revealed that Aravinda Kumar, Sharma’s accomplice, had used his own bank account to collect the funds from the victims. The police seized several items from the accused, including a laptop, mobile phone, SIM card, and various documents related to the creation and registration of the fake website, such as Aadhar and PAN cards, along with hosting details from GoDaddy.
The two accused are currently in custody, and the investigation is underway.
