Fake tour operator arrested for cheating over 50 pilgrims of over ₹40 lakh

Bengaluru police have arrested a 35-year-old businessman for allegedly defrauding more than 50 individuals of ₹40 lakh by promising pilgrimage tours. The accused, Raghavendra Rao, a resident of CKW Layout, had set up a fraudulent travel agency under the name Panchajanya Tours and Travels through a Facebook page.

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Rao advertised package tours to North Indian temples, including exclusive trips for the Kumbh Mela, luring devotees with attractive offers. He charged ₹49,000 per person for a seven-day pilgrimage and successfully convinced several individuals to make advance payments.

Between December and January, he organized trips for nearly 100 people, sending them to various religious sites in North India. However, complications surfaced when many pilgrims found their return tickets either canceled or never booked in the first place. Stranded and distressed, several victims reported the scam to the authorities.

Following complaints from 21 affected individuals, police launched an investigation, leading to Rao’s arrest. Officials believe more victims may come forward as the case unfolds. Authorities have urged the public to verify travel agencies before making bookings to avoid falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.