VIJAYAWADA: NTR district cybercrime police have busted a fake service ticket scam targeting devotees ahead of the annual Dasara festivities at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (SDMSD) and arrested the accused within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
DCP (Cybercrimes) Krishna Prasanna said the scam came to light when a devotee received a fake service ticket through WhatsApp and noticed that it did not carry the temple’s verification QR code and authorised officer’s signature.
The devotee immediately alerted the temple helpline and submitted the ticket for verification. Temple officials confirmed it was fake and informed police following which a case was registered by the Cybercrime police.
As a part of investigation, police traced and arrested the accused, Suresh of Guntur, in Old Guntur. Investigation revealed that he had downloaded an image of a genuine temple service ticket, altered the beneficiary’s name and date using a mobile editing application and removed the QR code before circulating the forged ticket.
Police said Suresh had agreed to arrange the ticket for an acquaintance for a small amount. During interrogation, he initially attempted to mislead investigators but later admitted to the offence. He was also reportedly involved in an earlier railway job fraud case in Hyderabad.
Police seized his laptop, mobile phone and other forged identity documents, including a fake TTE identity card allegedly prepared to facilitate free train travel.
With the temple witnessing demand for services during Dasara, officials are strengthening security through hologram markings, enhanced QR verification and other anti-counterfeiting measures.
Police advised devotees to purchase tickets only through official temple counters, website or authorised booking channels and to report suspicious tickets immediately.