KATRA: Reasi Police has busted an alleged fake travel agent racket in Katra and arrested a man accused of cheating pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji by collecting money for accommodation and tour packages without authorisation.
The case came to light after a supervisor of a hotel near Matyal Petrol Pump in Katra lodged a complaint at Police Station Katra. The complainant alleged that a person posing as a travel agent had booked rooms for pilgrims but failed to provide accommodation despite collecting the full payment.
Following the complaint, Police Station Katra registered FIR No. 320/2026 under Sections 318(4), 336(3), 340(2) and 338 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and initiated an investigation.
During the investigation, police found that the accused had allegedly collected money from a family of pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh for a tour package and issued a bill in the name of a reputed travel firm operating in Katra, despite no longer being associated with the company.
A special team from Police Station Katra, after sustained efforts and technical assistance, arrested the accused on October 14 from Ambica Chowk, Katra. He was identified as Vivek Sharma, son of Gopal Krishan and a resident of Garnai in Udhampur district.
During the operation, police recovered ₹60,000 in cash, several bill books bearing the travel firm’s name and visiting cards allegedly used to gain the trust of pilgrims.
According to police, the investigation suggests that the accused may have cheated several other people using a similar modus operandi. He is currently in judicial custody, while further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify other victims.
Reasi Police has urged pilgrims and tourists visiting Katra and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine to remain vigilant against fraudulent travel agents and booking scams. Visitors have been advised to use authorised service providers and official portals for hotel bookings, helicopter tickets and tour packages, and to verify agents’ credentials before making payments.
Police reiterated its commitment to protecting pilgrims and tourists and taking legal action against those involved in criminal activities targeting visitors to the district.
