Mussoorie, April 8 -- Rudraprayag police have launched a crackdown on cyber fraud related to the Kedarnath Temple pilgrimage, blocking more than 265 fake websites and social media pages allegedly used to dupe pilgrims booking helicopter tickets. According to police, the action was taken after several complaints surfaced about fraudulent online platforms offering fake helicopter bookings for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. Police said over 265 fake websites and Facebook pages were identified and blocked during the drive. In addition, 106 Facebook accounts and 16 Instagram accounts involved in promoting fake booking services were also shut down. As part of the operation, 55 mobile numbers used by cyber fraudsters were blocked, and steps were initiated to freeze suspicious bank accounts connected to the scam. Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of Rudraprayag Vikas Pundir said cyber monitoring has been intensified as the pilgrimage season approaches and online bookings increase. Officials advised pilgrims to book helicopter tickets only through the official government-authorised website to avoid falling victim to cyber fraud. Online bookings for helicopter services for the upcoming Kedarnath Dham pilgrimage will begin on April 10, officials of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) said. Chief executive officer of UCADA Ashish Chauhan said the authority and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) finalised the booking schedule during a high-level meeting held on April 4. "UCADA and IRCTC have decided that 100% of the ticketing process will be handled online through the official portal," Chauhan said, adding that bookings will be available on the dedicated website managed by IRCTC. To prevent black-marketing and ensure transparency in ticket distribution, the authorities have decided to release tickets in phased slots of 20 days each. Officials said the phased system will allow the administration to regulate passenger volume and account for weather-related uncertainties in the Himalayan region....