Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Aug 11: The Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry, Katra (CTTIK) has urged the police administration to establish a dedicated Cyber Police Station in the holy town to deal with the growing menace of online frauds targeting pilgrims and local businesses.
A statement said that to make a request in this regard, a delegation led by CTTIK President Raj Kumar Padha met Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Sarah Rizvi today and submitted a formal representation in her office.
It said the members said Katra, being the base camp for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, sees thousands of pilgrims daily, but is facing a sharp rise in cybercrimes such as fake websites offering helicopter bookings, hotel reservations, and travel services.
They added that UPI scams, ATM frauds, phishing attacks, data theft, and circulation of fake alerts have caused financial and emotional loss to devotees and damaged the town’s image as a safe pilgrimage destination.
The delegation also conveyed the concerns of local traders, hoteliers, and tour operators, who have been targeted through cyber impersonation, fake social media accounts, ransomware threats, and phishing emails.
The CTTIK members said that the establishment of a Cyber Police Station would ensure faster complaint redressal, discourage cybercriminals, and provide a protective mechanism for both pilgrims and tourism stakeholders.
DIG Rizvi acknowledged the growing threat of cybercrime in a high-footfall pilgrimage centre like Katra and assured that the proposal for a Cyber Police Station is under active consideration.
She said recommendations will be sent to the concerned authorities, and all manpower and logistical needs will be reviewed to strengthen cybercrime prevention in the region.
The assurance was welcomed by the CTTIK delegation, which expressed gratitude for the proactive approach of the Police Deptt and urged that the matter be prioritised in the interest of public safety and the smooth conduct of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
