In recent developments, fraudulent activities have come to light, exploiting the sentiments of devotees seeking prasad from the historic Pran Pratishtha event at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has taken action against a website https://khadiorganic.com/ claiming to distribute prasad on January 22, using the name of Khadi.
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has responded by filing a complaint against the website, asserting that it falsely associates itself with Khadi, violating trademark rights. KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar emphasized that the website's claim of a connection with KVIC is baseless, prompting legal action against the misleading use of the Khadi name.
Despite the prasad being advertised as free, the website allegedly demands payments for booking and delivery, with reports of devotees paying amounts ranging from ₹50 to ₹100 for the supposedly free prasad. Numerous devotees, in anticipation of receiving prasad, have fallen victim to this online scam.
The company behind the dubious website is purportedly based in Noida, with provided contact numbers leading to dead ends or busy signals, raising suspicions about the authenticity of the operation.
VHP's National Spokesperson, Vinod Bansal, has raised concerns about the lack of authorization from the trust responsible for prasad distribution, stating that the trust has not designated anyone to carry out such activities. He urged caution, emphasizing that attempts to tarnish the reputation of Lord Rama's prasad and Khadi must be resisted.
Bansal called upon the public to remain vigilant, cautioning against falling for misleading advertisements until further information is received from the temple trust. He has also urged the police to take swift action against those responsible for the scam. In light of these developments, it is crucial for devotees and the public to exercise
caution when seeking prasad online:
- Verification of Websites: Before making any orders, verify the legitimacy of the website. Look for official credentials, contact information, and reviews from trusted sources.
- Official Channels: Consider obtaining prasad through official channels, such as visiting the temple in Ayodhya or using authorized seva organizations.
- Hidden Costs: Be wary of hidden costs, such as mandatory donations, excessive shipping charges, or subscription fees, even if the prasad is advertised as free.
- No Official Confirmation: The Ram Mandir Trust has not announced any official online prasad distribution. Avoid falling for claims that lack official confirmation.
- Reporting Scams: If you come across any suspicious activity, report it to the authorities immediately. Spread awareness to protect others from falling victim to similar scams. In conclusion, while the anticipation for prasad from the Ram Mandir is natural, it is essential to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any online offerings to avoid falling prey to scams.