Pathanamthitta (Keralam), Aug 21 (PTI) A case was registered on Friday against a person who allegedly posed as a TDB official and cheated several devotees by promising to arrange passes for the Vallasadya at Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple here, police said.
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by a woman from Haripad in Alappuzha district.
According to police, the accused introduced himself as Bibin and claimed to be a Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) employee at the Aranmula temple.
Police officials at Aranmula station said the accused allegedly contacted the woman via WhatsApp and promised to arrange Vallasadya passes for her and her family on August 16.
Believing his claim, the woman transferred Rs 2,000 to him through UPI, police said.
However, he allegedly failed to provide the passes and did not return the money.
Police said the accused had posted reels and shorts on various social media platforms offering Vallasadya passes.
Several people have approached us with similar complaints in recent days, police said.
As part of the investigation, Aranmula police, with the assistance of the Cyber Cell, are trying to identify the person using the mobile phone number and trace him.
The case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act for cheating and impersonation.
The Vallasadya is a grand ritual feast held at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple as part of various festivals.
Known for its scale and devotion, the event draws thousands of devotees and boatmen who are served dozens of traditional dishes in a spirit of equality and reverence. PTI TBA TBA ROH
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