A devotee from Gujarat was allegedly cheated of Rs 18,799 after fraudsters posing as representatives of Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda offered to arrange a special havan and puja, police said on Tuesday.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to Nalkheda Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Devnarayan Yadav, Sunil Sharma, a resident of Vadodara, had planned a visit to the temple with his family for darshan and religious rituals. While searching online for information about the temple, he came across a link that appeared to be associated with the shrine.
After contacting a mobile number listed on the link, Sharma was allegedly told that a havan and puja package would cost Rs 18,799 and that the amount had to be paid online in advance. Following the payment on June 3, he received a call from a person who identified himself as Dilip Sharma and instructed him to reach the temple on June 6 for the ritual.
The Deception Continues
When Sharma arrived at Nalkheda with his family, the caller allegedly informed him that he would be unable to conduct the puja due to a death-related ritual at his home and would instead arrange another priest. Suspecting foul play, Sharma contacted the Baglamukhi Temple management, only to learn that neither the link nor the mobile number was associated with the temple administration.
Police Investigation Launched
Based on Sharma's complaint, Nalkheda police have registered a case of cheating against the mobile number holder and launched an investigation. Police have urged devotees to verify details through official temple sources before making online payments for religious services. They also advised people to be cautious of fraudulent links and calls offering religious packages.
