Mumbai devotee cheated in Mahakal Bhasma Aarti scam:Former temple security guard swindles money and disappears

Cases of fraud in the name of securing entry to the famous Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakal Temple continue to surface. In the latest incident, a Mumbai-based woman devotee was allegedly cheated of ₹4,250 by a former security guard associated with the temple. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation against the accused. Devotee contacted former temple employee for Bhasma Aarti arrangements The complainant, Dhiraj Chaurge, told Mahakal Police that she had come into contact with former temple employee Santosh Akodia on 24 May while making arrangements for Bhasma Aarti darshan. According to the complaint, she received Akodia’s mobile number through relatives and contacted him to arrange entry for three devotees. The accused allegedly demanded ₹4,250 in exchange for facilitating Bhasma Aarti darshan for the group. Money transferred through GPay The devotee transferred ₹3,000 as an advance payment and sent the remaining ₹1,250 two days later through Google Pay. However, when the family arrived in Ujjain on 29 May and attempted to contact Akodia, he allegedly stopped answering calls. Later, his mobile phone was switched off. Realising that she had been cheated, the woman approached the police and lodged a complaint. Police register fraud case Mahakal Police Station in-charge Gagan Badal said that after receiving the complaint, police registered a fraud case against Santosh Akodia. An investigation is currently underway, and police are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged cheating incident. Authorities warn devotees against unofficial bookings The case has once again highlighted concerns over fraudsters exploiting devotees seeking entry to the Mahakal Temple’s Bhasma Aarti. Authorities have repeatedly advised visitors to use only official channels for bookings and temple-related services to avoid falling victim to scams.