Bhubaneswar, July 13: Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha Police have launched a special cyber safety awareness campaign to protect pilgrims and tourists from online fraud during the festival.

As part of the initiative, the police flagged off the 'Cyber Sathi Rath', a dedicated awareness vehicle that will travel across Puri spreading messages on cyber security. The campaign aims to educate pilgrims, tourists, hotel owners, residents, and other stakeholders about emerging cyber threats and preventive measures.

The world-famous Rath Yatra is scheduled for July 16, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad.

According to a statement issued by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Crime Branch (CID-CB), a dedicated cyber response team has already begun extensive awareness activities across the temple town. The team is conducting outreach programmes to encourage safe digital practices, promote vigilance against cyber scams, and provide guidance on reporting cybercrime promptly.

The initiative is part of the Odisha Police's broader efforts to strengthen cyber security awareness and ensure a safe and secure festival experience for all visitors during Rath Yatra 2026.