Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Amid the massive Sawan rush at Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a woman from Karnataka fell victim to a darshan scam after allegedly being promised quick entry for Rs 4,000.
However, a police officer stepped in, tracked down the accused, returned her money and helped her complete her pilgrimage.
As thousands of devotees arrived in Varanasi on the first Monday of Sawan to offer prayers at Baba Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the rush also created opportunities for fraudsters targeting pilgrims seeking easier access to darshan.
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The incident involved Nandini from Mysuru, her husband Vinayak, and two others who had travelled to Varanasi to visit the temple. With heavy crowds leading to long waiting times, they were allegedly approached near the temple premises by a man dressed as a priest who claimed he could arrange darshan for the group.
Trusting his promise, Nandini paid Rs 4,000 online for darshan for four people. However, after receiving the money, the man disappeared, leaving the family searching for him around the temple area.
After failing to locate him, Nandini approached Inspector Shivakant Mishra of the Sigra police station, who was deployed for Sawan security duty nearby. After listening to her complaint, the officer immediately launched a search for the accused.
Within a short time, police managed to trace the man, identified as Basant Pandey, and recovered the money taken from the woman. The amount was subsequently returned to Nandini.
Watch the video:
A video from the incident showed Inspector Shivakant assuring the family that he would ensure they got darshan. Keeping his word, the officer arranged for Nandini, her husband and the two others accompanying them to visit the temple.
Inspector Shivakant later said that apart from helping the family recover their money, he also made arrangements for their darshan so they could complete their pilgrimage without further trouble.
The incident comes as large crowds gather at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during Sawan, with devotees often waiting several hours for darshan and jalabhishek. Authorities have repeatedly warned pilgrims to remain cautious of individuals promising shortcuts or special access in exchange for money.
(With inputs from Roushan Kumar)
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
