PONDA, April 11 -- Team Herald

A fresh scam has rocked the town of Ponda, with fake lottery coupons being sold under the name of the revered Zareshwar deity, leaving residents outraged and calling for a thorough police investigation.

The incident came to light on Saturday at the Ponda city bus stand, where locals noticed unauthorised individuals selling donation-based lottery tickets allegedly on behalf of the Zareshwar deity. The shrine of Shree Zareshwar, situated at the old bus stand, is one of the oldest and most revered religious sites in Ponda, attracting scores of devotees every Wednesday and Sunday.

Ponda locals, led by municipal councillor Venktesh Naik, lodged a formal police complaint, warning fellow Goans against being dupe...