Karnataka: Mookambika Temple authorities complain of fake website with similar name, case filed

According to Udupi district police on November 23, Arvind S. Sutagundi, executive officer of the temple, had submitted a written complaint at the cyber crime, economic offences and narcotics (CEN) police station.

Devotees at Kollur-Mookambika temple. Express Photo/ Dhanya K Vilayil

The authorities of Sri Mookambika Temple at Kollur in Karnataka have filed a complaint with the Udupi cybercrime police after miscreants created a fake website in the name of the temple and collected money from devotees.

According to Udupi district police, Arvind S. Sutagundi, executive officer of the temple, had submitted a written complaint on November 23 with the cybercrime, economic offences and narcotics (CEN) police station. According to the complaint, Sutagundi alleged the creators of the fake website (www.mookambika.co.in) have mentioned prices much higher than the actual price for the pujas performed in the temple and charged money from the devotees. There is no permission to put the information about the sevas provided at the temple on the website.

The complaint also stated that the temple had a seva counter on its premises in Kollur and also an authorised website (www.kollurmookambika.org) for the benefit of devotees for booking various sevas and Homas at the temple.

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The police have registered a case under sections 43, 66 (C) 66 (D) of IT Act and section 420 of IPC in this connection and investigating.

Many devotees across the country visit the Mookambika Temple in Kollur, which is believed to be over 1,200 years old. According to the official website of the temple, the number of devotees visiting the temple is 50 per cent, 25 per cent, and 25 per cent from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively. Devotees from Andhra and Maharashtra also visit the temple. Famous singer K. J. Yesudas also visits the temple every year on his birthday and performs puja. The temple is maintained by the Karnataka Department of Religious Endowments.

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