Rudraprayag police have arrested a Dehradun resident in an alleged online fraud involving helicopter tickets for the Kedarnath Dham pilgr. The investigation concerns claims that pilgrims were persuaded to transfer money after being promised access to helicopter services.
Police identified the arrested person as Rahul Thapa, son of the late Ram Thapa, from Sheeshambara, Sherpur, Dehradun. He was taken into custody in Rishikesh after investigators linked him to the case.
The complaint was filed by Karan Gujral, a resident of Pune, Maharashtra. The case was registered at Guptkashi police station in August under Case No. 29/2026 and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police allege that Thapa used the promise of helicopter tickets to collect online payments from pilgrims. The reported loss in the case is about ₹5 lakh. The allegation remains subject to the investigation and any further legal proceedings.
Evidence recovered during the investigation
Investigators said they recovered 2 mobile phones along with SIM cards from the accused. They also seized a bank passbook, cheque book, ATM card, PAN card and Aadhaar card.
The police are examining the electronic devices and banking documents to establish the flow of money and identify any other people connected with the alleged transactions. The recovered material may also help investigators verify how the ticket offers were presented to prospective pilgrims.
Police examine hotel and helicopter service links
During questioning, Thapa allegedly provided information about some hotel owners and companies offering helicopter services. Rudraprayag police said they are pursuing these details as part of the continuing investigation.
After his arrest, Thapa was produced before a court. He was then sent to judicial custody at District Jail Pursadi in Chamoli. The police action involved Phata outin-charge Sub-Inspector Dinesh Sati and constable Jaiprakash.
The case highlights the risk of unofficial payment links during the Kedarnath pilgrseason. Police have advised pilgrims to use only authorised websites for helicopter bookings and to verify a website or link before making any payment.
They have also warned people against transferring money through unauthorised websites, social-media links or unknown individuals claiming to arrange helicopter tickets. Anyone facing cyber fraud has been asked to report it immediately through the National Cyber Helpline at 1930.
Conclusion
Rudraprayag police are continuing to examine the alleged ₹5 lakh helicopter-ticket fraud, the seized financial and electronic material, and information about possible links to hotels and helicopter companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Rudraprayag police case about?
The case concerns an alleged online fraud in which pilgrims were promised Kedarnath helicopter tickets and were asked to transfer money.
Q. Who has been arrested?
Police arrested Rahul Thapa, a resident of Sheeshambara, Sherpur, Dehradun, from Rishikesh.
Q. How much money was allegedly involved?
Police reported an alleged fraud amount of about ₹5 lakh.
Q. Where was the case registered?
The case was registered at Guptkashi police station in August under Case No. 29/2026.
Q. Which legal provision has been applied?
Police said the case was registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Q. What items were recovered?
Police recovered 2 mobile phones with SIM cards, along with a bank passbook, cheque book, ATM card, PAN card and Aadhaar card.
Q. What did the accused allegedly reveal during questioning?
Police said he provided information about some hotel owners and companies offering helicopter services. Investigators are examining those details.
Q. Where was the accused sent after appearing in court?
He was sent to judicial custody at District Jail Pursadi in Chamoli.
Q. How should pilgrims book helicopter tickets?
Rudraprayag police advised pilgrims to book through authorised websites and verify links before transferring money. Cyber fraud can be reported through the National Cyber Helpline at 1930.
