A delegation from the Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry, Katra (CTTIK) led by President Raj Kumar Padha and Secretary Atul Sharma met with  Ms Sarah Rizvi, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range in her office chamber, and submitted a formal representation seeking the immediate establishment of a Cyber Police Station in Katra.

At the outset of the meeting, the delegation extended a warm gesture of respect and reverence by presenting Mata Ki Chunari and a flower pot to DIG Sarah, symbolizing the blessings of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and expressing gratitude for her continued commitment to public safety in the region

During the meeting, the CTTIK delegation highlighted the alarming rise in cybercrimes affecting both pilgrims visiting the holy town and local businesses.

CTTIK, in its appeal, highlighted that Katra, being the base camp of the globally revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, witnesses a daily influx of thousands of pilgrims. Unfortunately, this sacred town is now facing a surge in digital crimes, with yatris frequently falling prey to fake websites offering helicopter bookings, hotel reservations, and other travel services. Incidents of UPI scams, ATM frauds, phishing attacks, data theft, and the circulation of fake alerts have become alarmingly common, causing financial and emotional distress to devotees and damaging the reputation of Katra as a safe pilgrimage destination.

Local business owners have also raised serious concerns about being targeted through cyber impersonation, fake social media profiles, ransomware threats, phishing emails, and malicious campaigns aimed at tarnishing business reputations. The CTTIK has expressed deep concern over these issues and emphasized that without a dedicated cyber policing mechanism in place, the situation may deteriorate further.

In the representation submitted to DIG Sarah Rizvi, CTTI President Raj Kumar Padha stressed that the establishment of a Cyber Police Station in Katra would be a significant step towards ensuring digital safety for both pilgrims and residents. He stated that it would facilitate faster redressal of complaints, deter cybercriminals, and restore confidence among yatris while offering a layer of protection for tourism stakeholders and businesses operating in and around Katra.

He added that a Cyber Police Station is no longer a luxury but a necessity for Katra in the digital age, especially considering the religious and economic importance of the town. He urged the police administration to prioritize this matter in the larger interest of public safety and the successful facilitation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.

DIG Rizvi acknowledged the growing concerns of the local business community, hoteliers, and pilgrims about increasing incidents of cyber frauds, online scams, and digital financial crimes in the region, particularly targeting tourism-linked stakeholders. She emphasized the importance of cyber vigilance in a high-footfall pilgrimage town like Katra and assured the delegation that the matter will be taken seriously at the higher levels of the police department.

She informed the CTTIK team that a formal proposal for setting up a Cyber Police Station in Katra is under active consideration and necessary recommendations shall be forwarded to the concerned authorities. DIG Rizvi further assured that all logistical and manpower requirements  shall be studied and the department is committed to enhancing cybercrime prevention mechanisms in the region.

The assurance from DIG Sarah Rizvi was welcomed by the CTTIK delegation, who expressed gratitude for the proactive and responsive approach of the police department.