Babadham Online Puja Scam: Fraud of Over ₹4 Crore at Baba Baidyanath Temple, Fake Online Puja Services Exposed

Deoghar, January 09, 2025: A massive scam involving over ₹4 crore has come to light at the revered Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar. Fraudsters created a fake website named Babadham Online Puja Services to deceive thousands of devotees by offering fraudulent online puja booking services.

The scam has sent shockwaves among devotees and temple authorities, raising concerns about the exploitation of faith through digital platforms.

How the Scam Unfolded

The fraudulent activities came to light when a group of five devotees from Hyderabad arrived at Baba Baidyanath Temple after booking puja services through the fake website. Upon their arrival, they attempted to contact the number listed on the website but received no response. The devotees, confused and frustrated, approached the temple’s control room to verify their booking.

Temple officials were equally shocked to discover the scam. The website, which appeared professional and legitimate, had been operating under the guise of providing online puja services for ₹5,100 per booking.

Thousands of Devotees Targeted

Initial investigations revealed that over 9,117 registrations had been made through the fake website, generating illicit earnings exceeding ₹4.5 crore. The fraudulent website had targeted devotees both from India and abroad, exploiting their faith and trust in the sacred temple.

The website offered devotees the convenience of booking puja services online, a facility that has gained popularity in recent years. However, the lack of verification and oversight allowed the scammers to operate unchecked for months.

Police Investigation Underway

Following complaints from the Hyderabad devotees, the temple authorities contacted the number listed on the website. The individual behind the website, identified as a resident of Amarpur in Jasidih, was summoned to the temple’s control room for questioning.

The accused admitted to creating the website but claimed to be unaware of its fraudulent nature. Temple authorities have handed over all evidence, including transaction records and user complaints, to the police.

Speaking on the matter, Ravi Kumar, the temple in-charge and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), stated, “The matter is being thoroughly investigated, and a formal FIR will be lodged. This is a serious breach of trust and strict action will be taken against those involved.”

Website Taken Offline

As the investigation progresses, the fraudulent website has been taken offline and is currently in “maintenance mode.” However, the damage caused by the scam has left thousands of devotees feeling betrayed.

Devotees from Hyderabad provided critical evidence, including transaction receipts and communication records, which have been instrumental in advancing the investigation.

Impact on Devotees and the Temple’s Reputation

The scam has not only caused financial losses to devotees but also tarnished the reputation of one of India’s most sacred temples. Many devotees have expressed concerns about the lack of oversight in online religious services, urging temple authorities to implement stricter verification processes.

The incident serves as a wake-up call for religious institutions to ensure the security and authenticity of their digital platforms, especially as more devotees turn to online services for convenience.

Key Takeaways for Devotees

1. Verify Authenticity: Always cross-check the legitimacy of websites offering online puja services with official temple authorities.
2. Use Official Channels: Book services only through verified and official platforms endorsed by the temple.
3. Report Suspicious Activities: Immediately report any fraudulent activities to the authorities to prevent further exploitation.

As the investigation continues, devotees and authorities alike are left grappling with the implications of this digital-age scam, which exploited the faith of thousands for financial gain.