Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji
Panaji, May 29: In a shocking incident that unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, a 25-year-old rowdy-sheeter from Hyderabad was arrested for allegedly assaulting two security guards at a popular casino in Panaji, Goa, resulting in the death of one guard and severe injuries to another.
According to Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Rahul Gupta, the accused, identified as Abdul Altaf, a resident of Misri Ganj, Charminar, Hyderabad, tried to flee the state after the assault but was intercepted and apprehended by police at Dabolim Airport in the wee hours.
The violent episode took place around 3:10 am at Casino Carnival, Campal, when the Panaji Police Station received an emergency call reporting the brutal assault. Initial investigations revealed that the accused, who was a guest at the casino, attacked the security guards using a wooden rod with an iron clamp—pulled out from the casino’s staircase—with the clear intent to cause grievous harm.
One of the victims, Dheeru Sharma (33), hailing from Satna, Madhya Pradesh, succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to Goa Medical College and Hospital. Another guard, Satyam Gaonkar (27) of Shiroda, South Goa, suffered a head injury and is currently undergoing treatment.
A special team was immediately formed to investigate and track the accused. “The team moved swiftly and detained Abdul Altaf while he was on his way to flee Goa,” said SP Gupta.
Further investigation has revealed that Abdul Altaf has a criminal background and is listed as a rowdy-sheeter at Mailardevpally Police Station in Hyderabad.
A forensic team has visited the crime scene for detailed examination, and police have initiated the process of registering a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and attempt to murder.
Authorities are probing deeper into the motive behind the attack and whether the accused had any accomplices or prior altercations with casino staff.
The incident has sent shockwaves across Panaji, raising serious concerns about security and surveillance at entertainment establishments in the state.