A 34-year-old woman from Thane was allegedly cheated of Rs 54,000 while attempting to book helicopter services for the Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines.
According to reports, the victim informed police that she was searching for tour services when she encountered an Instagram advertisement offering rides to the pilgrimage sites.
Upon contacting the provided number, a representative instructed her to pay 50% of the total cost as an advance. The woman transferred the funds to a Bank of Baroda account under the name “Himalaya Tour,” purportedly based in Dehradun.
Following the transaction, the contact person ceased communication, providing neither a booking confirmation nor a refund. A probe is currently underway to track the fraudulent account.
As preparations intensify for the Chardham Yatra 2026, offline registration officially commenced today, April 17. This provides pilgrims with an additional convenient option alongside the existing online system.
With the sacred journey set to begin on April 19, authorities have streamlined arrangements to ensure an organized experience for devotees.
Offline Registration Logistics
Offline registration began early this morning at 5:00 am. To manage the influx of pilgrims, 24 counters have been established at transit camps, complemented by six additional counters at the ISBT. To ensure comfort and crowd control, separate queues and counters have been designated for men and women.
To further minimize wait times, authorities have deployed approximately 30 mobile registration teams. These teams are visiting hotels and dharamshalas where large groups of pilgrims are staying, facilitating on-the-spot registration and removing the need for devotees to stand in long queues.
Mandatory Guidelines and Schedule
The pilgrimage will officially begin on April 19 with the opening of the gates at Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham. Registration is mandatory for all participants. While online registration has been available since March 6, both online and offline facilities will remain open throughout the yatra period to accommodate last-minute travelers.
Indian Citizens must carry a valid ID; biometric verification, including fingerprint scanning, will be conducted at the counters while foreign nationals may register using their passports.
Transit Camp Facilities and Special Arrangements
Extensive measures have been taken at transit camps to enhance the pilgrim experience, including the installation of tents for seating and rest. Digital screens will provide real-time weather updates to assist with journey planning. Furthermore, a temporary hospital has been established at the transit camp to manage medical emergencies and provide essential healthcare.
Specific arrangements are also in place for the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. Once that yatra begins, four dedicated counters will open at Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib to ensure a seamless process for Sikh pilgrims.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is scheduled to formally flag off the Chardham Yatra on April 18 from the transit camp. Following traditional “पूजा” (puja) rituals, the first buses carrying pilgrims will be dispatched. The occasion will feature special cultural arrangements and food services for those in attendance.
Enhanced Security Measures
In a bid to maintain order and safeguard the high volume of devotees, the Uttarakhand government has issued a directive calling for heightened security during the registration process.
Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain a vigilant presence at all transit camps, ISBT counters, and mobile registration sites.
This move aims to prevent any fraudulent activities, manage potential bottlenecks, and ensure the safety of all pilgrims as they complete their mandatory biometric and documentation procedures.