By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 29 May: The Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is at its peak. Meanwhile, cyber thugs are cheating people by creating fake websites, Facebook pages, and online ads for helicopter bookings.
To stop these online frauds, the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttarakhand is taking strict action. In 2025, the STF, till now has blocked 51 fake websites and URLs. STF has also blocked 111 mobile numbers used in cyber fraud. This year, 56 bank accounts have been frozen and 30 WhatsApp numbers have been blocked. STF says this action has saved many devotees from fraud. This work is being done with help of the Home Ministry (MHA).
The STF said that since 2023, many fake websites and pages have been blocked. In 2023, 64 fake websites were blocked. In 2024, 18 websites, 45 Facebook pages, and 20 bank accounts were also blocked.
DIG, Law and Order, Dhirendra Gunjyal said that efforts are being made to stop new fake pages and ads on Meta platforms. He has been appointed as the nodal officer under the IT Act. He is regularly sending legal notices to Meta to remove fake content.
According to the STF, SSP is personally checking updates every day. Sub-Inspector Ashish Gusain sends notices to social media sites daily. CO Ankush Mishra is in contact with the Home Ministry, banks, mobile service providers, and Meta officials. Inspector Devendra Nabiyal is looking after the legal work. STF is working fast to protect people from cyber fraud during the holy Chardham Yatra.
