Family Duped of ₹72,000 in Fake Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket Scam; FIR Registered Against Cyber Fraudsters
Muzaffarpur: Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the faith of pilgrims by targeting people planning religious journeys. In one such incident, a family from Pokhariya Pir under the Kazimohammadpur Police Station area in Muzaffarpur district was allegedly cheated out of ₹72,000 on the pretext of booking helicopter tickets for the Kedarnath pilgrimage.
The fraudsters not only collected the money but also sent fake helicopter tickets to convince the victims that the booking had been confirmed. After discovering the fraud, the victim approached the police and lodged a complaint. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation is now underway.
Pilgrimage Plans Turn Into a Cyber Fraud
According to the complaint, Deepak Kumar Chaudhary, a resident of Ram Krishna Nagar, Pokhariya Pir, was planning a pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham with his family.
To make the journey more convenient, he decided to book helicopter tickets online. While searching for booking services on the internet, he came into contact with individuals who claimed to be authorized ticket agents.
The alleged fraudsters assured him that they would arrange confirmed helicopter tickets for the desired travel dates.
₹72,000 Transferred Online
The accused allegedly asked the victim to transfer money online for ticket booking, registration, and other processing charges.
Trusting their claims, the family transferred a total of ₹72,000 through online payment methods.
After receiving the payment, the fraudsters sent what appeared to be valid helicopter tickets via WhatsApp and other digital platforms.
Fake Tickets Sent to Mislead the Victims
Initially, the tickets looked genuine, and the family proceeded with its travel preparations.
However, during verification, they discovered that the tickets were completely fake and had no record in the official helicopter booking system.
When the victims attempted to contact the alleged agents again, their phone numbers were either switched off or no longer responded.
FIR Registered at Kazimohammadpur Police Station
After realizing they had been cheated, Deepak Kumar Chaudhary filed a written complaint at the Kazimohammadpur Police Station.
In his FIR, he named the holders of three mobile phone numbers and also accused unidentified cybercriminals of involvement in the fraud.
Police have registered the case and begun an investigation under the relevant legal provisions related to cybercrime.
Investigation Into Mobile Numbers and Financial Transactions
Investigating officers said they are examining the mobile numbers, bank accounts, and digital payment records mentioned in the complaint.
With assistance from the cybercrime unit, investigators are trying to trace where the money was transferred and identify the individuals behind the scam.
If necessary, digital evidence such as IP addresses, banking records, and transaction histories will also be analyzed.
A Growing Trend in Cybercrime
Cybersecurity experts say that fraudsters often become more active during the pilgrimage season, creating fake websites, fraudulent social media pages, and WhatsApp accounts to deceive devotees.
They typically lure victims with promises of confirmed bookings, discounted fares, or special services, collect online payments, and then disappear after sending forged booking confirmations.
Police Advise the Public to Remain Vigilant
Police have urged people to book helicopter tickets and other travel services for religious pilgrimages only through official websites and government-authorized booking platforms.
Citizens have also been advised not to transfer money to unknown individuals or rely on unverified social media links and WhatsApp contacts.
Anyone noticing suspicious online activity has been requested to immediately inform the local police or the cybercrime helpline.
Verify Before Making Online Payments
Experts recommend verifying the authenticity of any booking website before making payments.
Travelers should carefully check customer reviews, official contact details, and website credentials, and avoid transferring large amounts of money without proper verification.
Need for Greater Cyber Awareness
With the rapid growth of digital transactions, cyber awareness has become more important than ever.
Experts believe that exercising basic caution and using only trusted booking platforms can prevent most online frauds.
Government agencies also continue to encourage citizens to stay alert and follow safe online practices.
The alleged ₹72,000 cyber fraud involving fake helicopter tickets for the Kedarnath pilgrimage highlights the growing threat of online scams targeting religious travelers. Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the mobile numbers, bank accounts, and digital transactions linked to the case. Authorities are working to identify those responsible and have urged the public to remain vigilant by using only official booking channels for pilgrimage-related travel arrangements. The incident serves as a reminder that verifying online services before making payments is essential to avoiding cyber fraud.
