KATRA : In a major action against fraud targeting pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, Reasi Police has busted a fake travel agent racket in Katra and arrested the accused.
Police said the accused was allegedly cheating pilgrims and hoteliers by collecting money for accommodation and tour packages while issuing bills in the name of a reputed travel firm without any authorization.
*How the Case Came to Light:*
The case came to light when the supervisor of a hotel located near Matyal Petrol Pump, Katra, lodged a complaint at Police Station Katra alleging that a person posing as a travel agent had booked rooms at the hotel for pilgrims but, despite collecting the full amount fraudulently from them, failed to provide the accommodation.
Acting promptly on the complaint, *Case FIR No. 320/2026 under Section 318(4), 336(3), 340(2), 338 BNS* was registered at Police Station Katra, and an investigation was initiated.
*Accused Arrested from Ambica Chowk:*
During investigation, it was revealed that the accused had allegedly collected money from a pilgrim family belonging to *Uttar Pradesh* for a tour package and issued a bill slip in the name of a travel firm operating in Katra, despite no longer being associated with the firm.
A special police team of Police Station Katra, under the supervision of SDPO Katra, Dr Bhishm Dubey was constituted, who after making sustained efforts and utilising all available resources including technical assistance, *arrested the accused on 14.10.2026 from Ambica Chowk, Katra.*
The accused has been identified as *Vivek Sharma, son of Gopal Krishan, resident of Garnai, District Udhampur.*
*Recovery Made:*
During further investigation, following items were recovered from the accused:
- Cash amounting to *Rs. 60,000.*
- Several *bill books bearing the name of the travel firm.*
- *Visiting cards bearing the firm's name*, allegedly used to gain the trust of pilgrims.
The investigation conducted so far indicates that the accused may have cheated several other individuals using a similar modus operandi. The accused is presently in *judicial custody*, while further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify any other victims.
*Police Advisory for Pilgrims:*
Reasi Police has appealed to all pilgrims and tourists visiting Katra and the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji to remain vigilant against fraudulent travel agents and booking scams.
Visitors are advised to book hotels, helicopter tickets and tour packages only through *authorized service providers and official portals*, and to verify the credentials of travel agents before making any payment.
Reasi Police reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims and tourists and taking strict legal action against those involved in criminal activities targeting visitors.