Udupi: Fake website dupes devotees booking Kollur Temple rooms; case filed
Udupi: A case has been registered after fraudsters allegedly created a fake website in the name of Sri Mookambika Temple, deceiving devotees by collecting money for non-existent room bookings.
According to a complaint filed by Prashanth Kumar Shetty, the Executive Officer of Sri Mookambika Temple, the temple’s official accommodation website is http://karnatakatemplesaccommodation.com
However, unknown individuals created an unauthorised replica under the name “Karnataka Temple Accommodation” in a bid to scam visitors and make unlawful profits, as reported by Deccan Herald on Tuesday.
The accused allegedly misled several devotees by offering room reservations at the Lalithambika Guest House through the fake website.
They reportedly received payments through PhonePe QR codes, which were sent to victims via WhatsApp. In return, they issued fraudulent receipts, and cheated devotees seeking accommodation at the temple, the report added.
Based on the complaint, the Kollur Police have registered a case under Section 66(c) of the IT Act and Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
