As Ayodhya gears up for the consecration of Lord Ram's temple on January 22, a disconcerting trend of scams has emerged, with malevolent actors capitalising on the religious fervor. Despite the genuine contributions pouring in from across the country, fraudsters are exploiting the occasion on social media, duping individuals with enticing offers of free prasad (religious offerings) and exclusive VIP passes for the Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha ceremony.

Government Alert

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In response to the escalating cyber fraud cases associated with the upcoming ceremony, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken a stringent stance. Authorities have directed the police to intensify surveillance and actively address the issue of scams perpetrated under the guise of Ram Temple.

Arrest Made

Revealing a recent breakthrough, an official disclosed that Ayodhya Police successfully apprehended an individual with Indian American citizenship involved in a similar case. The suspect had been enticing individuals to send money through a website, promising them prasad for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony delivered directly to their homes.

Deceptive Offers

The fraudulent activities include luring individuals within the country to contribute Rs 51 for prasad and citizens of other countries to contribute $11. The accused also made false promises of providing items such as T-shirts featuring Lord Ram's picture, Charan Paduka in the name of Ram, flags associated with Lord Ram, and other memorabilia.

Massive Fraud

Police reports indicate that the accused has been charged with defrauding more than 1.6 million people, amassing a staggering total of Rs 10.5 crore through these deceptive practices. Authorities are actively disseminating awareness through newspapers and social media to prevent further victimisation.

Trust Warning

In response to the alarming trend, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has issued warnings to devotees, cautioning them about potential scams and fraudulent activities related to the auspicious event. The trust emphasises vigilance and encourages individuals to verify the authenticity of offerings associated with the Ram Temple ceremony.