Hotel Booked, Money Gone: Rajasthan Man Dupes Karnataka Temple Devotees Online

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 11:59 IST

Given that the suspect was operating from another state, Kollur police coordinated with local police teams in Rajasthan. After verifying his identity, he was arrested.

Officers traced payment trails, technical data, and linked accounts, eventually tracking the accused to Rajasthan. (Image: Instagram)

Faith often travels faster than caution. That gap was exploited in a cybercrime case involving the revered Kollur Mookambika Temple, one of Karnataka’s most important pilgrimage centres. Police in Udupi district have arrested a man accused of running an online fraud by creating a fake website that closely mimicked official temple booking portals, cheating unsuspecting devotees of their money.

The accused has been identified as Nasir Hussain, a resident of Rajasthan. Police say he deliberately targeted pilgrims planning visits to Kollur, a temple that attracts lakhs of devotees every year from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and several other states.

Why Kollur Became a Target

Kollur Mookambika Temple holds immense religious significance and is also among the wealthiest temples in the state. Demand for accommodation around the temple remains high throughout the year, especially during festivals and auspicious days.

Most devotees now rely on online searches to book rooms in advance, often trusting any website that appears official. Investigators say this blind trust created the perfect opening for the scam.

According to police, Nasir created a fraudulent website under the name “Karnataka Temple Accommodation." The portal was designed to closely resemble government-linked or temple-related booking platforms. From layout and wording to payment pages, the site looked authentic enough to fool even cautious users.

The website offered advance room bookings near the temple. Devotees were asked to make online payments and were issued booking confirmations and receipts that appeared genuine. The fraud only became evident when pilgrims arrived in Kollur and discovered that no rooms had been booked in their name.

By then, the money had already vanished.

How the Fraud Was Detected

The scam came to light after multiple devotees approached temple authorities complaining that their bookings were invalid. Sensing a pattern, the temple’s Executive Officer verified the details and confirmed that the bookings were not made through any authorised channel.

A formal complaint was then filed with the Kollur police, leading to a cybercrime investigation. Officers traced payment trails, technical data, and linked accounts, eventually tracking the accused to Rajasthan.

Inter-State Arrest Operation

Given that the suspect was operating from another state, Kollur police coordinated with local police teams in Rajasthan. After verifying his identity and digital footprint, Nasir Hussain was arrested and brought back for further questioning.

Police officials say the operation required careful coordination and technical analysis, and it has been appreciated for cracking down on a scam that preyed on religious faith.

How Many Were Cheated?

Investigators are now working to identify the total number of victims and the exact amount of money involved. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the accused may have used similar methods to target other temples or religious destinations.

Authorities are also examining whether more fake websites linked to the same network are still active.

Police have issued a clear warning to devotees to be cautious while making online bookings related to temples. Officials say pilgrims should rely only on officially announced booking platforms and avoid websites that promise guaranteed accommodation during peak seasons.

Any portal that is not clearly verified, officials warn, should be treated as suspicious.

A Broader Digital Warning

The case highlights a growing trend where cybercriminals exploit religious tourism and emotional trust. As more temple services move online, authorities say awareness and verification are as important as devotion itself.

While the arrest brings relief, police stress that prevention lies in public caution. In the digital age, even faith needs a double-check.

News india Hotel Booked, Money Gone: Rajasthan Man Dupes Karnataka Temple Devotees Online