QR code scam warning for devotees ahead of Ram Temple event in Ayodhya

Days before the imminent consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, reports have surfaced concerning a scam aimed at deceiving devotees by soliciting donations for the temple under false pretenses. Vinod Bansal, spokesperson for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), took to social media to highlight this fraudulent scheme, cautioning people about cybercriminals attempting to swindle money through fake identities associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra.

In a complaint filed by a VHP leader, it was revealed that an individual named Abhishek Kumar was purportedly seeking funds for Ayodhya temple development by circulating a QR code on social media. Upon scanning the code, users were directed to a UPI ID under the name Manisha Nallabelly.

Bansal addressed the issue in a complaint letter to the union home ministry and police chiefs of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had disavowed any authorization for private individuals to collect funds for the temple.

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Expressing concern, Bansal urged authorities to take swift action against such fraudulent activities, emphasizing the need to curb these practices amid the nation’s collective jubilation over the Ram temple inauguration.

He also took to X (formerly Twitter) to raise awareness: “Some people are trying to cheat money by making fake ID in the name of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. @HMOIndia @CPDelhi @dgpup @Uppolice should take delayed action against such people. @ShriRamTeerth has not authorized anybody to collect funds for this occasion.”

The consecration ceremony’s rituals at the Ram Temple are scheduled to commence on January 16 and continue for seven days until January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the grand temple’s idol installation, prompting extensive preparations and attracting dignitaries and individuals from various backgrounds.

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However, PM Modi has urged devotees not to visit the temple on January 22, the consecration day, instead requesting them to light a diya at their homes. He emphasized, “This is my request with folded hand, don’t decide to come to Ram Temple on January 22. First, allow the event to happen, and then after January 23, you can come any time. Everyone wants to attend the event, but it is not possible to accommodate everyone owing to logistics and security reasons. You have waited for over 550 years. Wait for some more time.”