REASI, Oct 21: Reasi Police has busted an alleged fake travel agent racket in Katra and arrested a man accused of cheating pilgrims and hoteliers by collecting money for accommodation and tour packages using unauthorized bills and documents bearing the name of a reputed travel firm.
The case came to light after the supervisor of a hotel near Matyal Petrol Pump in Katra lodged a complaint at Police Station Katra. According to the complaint, a person posing as a travel agent had booked rooms for pilgrims but allegedly failed to provide the promised accommodation despite collecting the full payment.
Acting on the complaint, police registered FIR No. 320/2026 at Police Station Katra under Sections 318(4), 336(3), 340(2) and 338 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and initiated an investigation.
During the investigation, police found that the accused had allegedly collected money from a pilgrim family belonging to Uttar Pradesh for a tour package. He reportedly issued a bill slip in the name of a travel firm operating in Katra, despite no longer being associated with the firm.
A special team of Police Station Katra was constituted to investigate the case. After sustained efforts and the use of technical assistance, the team arrested the accused on October 14, 2026, from Ambica Chowk in Katra.
The accused has been identified as Vivek Sharma, son of Gopal Krishan, a resident of Garnai in Udhampur district.
During the operation, police recovered Rs 60,000 in cash, several bill books bearing the name of the travel firm, and visiting cards allegedly used to gain the trust of pilgrims and facilitate the fraudulent activities.
According to police, the investigation so far indicates that the accused may have cheated several other individuals by following a similar modus operandi. He is presently in judicial custody, while further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify other possible victims.
Reasi Police has appealed to pilgrims and tourists visiting Katra and the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji to remain cautious while dealing with travel agents and accommodation providers. Visitors have been advised to book hotel rooms, helicopter tickets and tour packages only through authorized service providers and official portals.
Police also urged tourists to verify the credentials of travel agents and confirm bookings directly with hotels or service providers before making payments.
Reasi Police reiterated its commitment to safeguarding pilgrims and tourists and taking strict legal action against those involved in criminal activities targeting visitors to the district.