India, Feb. 21 -- LUCKNOW The Lucknow Cyber Police unearthed and blocked a counterfeit e-lottery portal that was created by cyber thugs to dupe people. The fake website mimicked the excise department's official portal for 2025-26 liquor licence applications. The matter came to light when excise officials filed a complaint at the cyber police station at Vibhuti Khand.

The legitimate application process was meant to be conducted through the official website https://exciseelotteryup.upsdc.gov.in, but the cons set up a deceptive clone at https://upexciseelotteryupsdcgovco.in.

"We have registered an FIR based on the excise department's complaint and begun our investigation," said cyber police station inspector Brajesh Yadav. He added, "The f...