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.
