PATHANAMTHITTA: The police have registered a case following a complaint that people were defrauded after being falsely promised Aranmula Vallasadya. The scammer collected money online by impersonating a Devaswom Board employee. People realized they had been cheated only when they reached the temple from various districts. Amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 were extorted from several individuals. A group including Kollam natives reached the temple today and found themselves duped.
A man identifying himself as Vipin Das, posing as a Devaswom Board employee, would post advertisements on social media. He then chatted with interested persons, promising to arrange everything at Aranmula, including Vallasadya and accommodation. However, after collecting the money, he became unreachable by phone when victims arrived at the temple.
People from various districts have been falling victim to this scam over the past few days. Aranmula Police have registered a case based on one of the initial complaints received, while more complaints are pending with the police. The Palliyoda Seva Sangham demanded strict action against the fraudster.
Vallasadya at Aranmula temple is accessible in three ways: first, by dining through devotees who have booked the ritual offering (vazhipadu); second, through KSRTC’s budget tourism packages; or third, via special passes issued by the Palliyoda Seva Sangham. The special passes were completely exhausted in the initial days of the season itself. It was during this period that the fraud, falsely promising Vallasadya, took place.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com