Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Aug 29: Two armed men opened fire at the director of a land-based casino and his security guard at the casino entrance here on Friday evening, in a brazen attack that has raised fresh questions over Goa's law-and-order situation.
Casino Majestic director Shrinivas Nayak and his security guard escaped unhurt after the assailants allegedly lay in wait near the casino's parking area and opened fire at close range.
The attackers fired three rounds at Nayak as he approached his vehicle. His security personnel retaliated by firing another three rounds, but the assailants managed to escape.
According to sources, the attackers had concealed themselves between two parked cars inside the casino premises, giving them a clear view of vehicles entering and leaving the property.
"When Nayak's vehicle stopped and he was about to step in, they ran towards him and opened fire from near-close proximity. His security guard retaliated and fired three rounds, but the accused managed to escape," a source told The Goan.
The assailants are believed to have arrived on a motorcycle. After the shooting, they reportedly crossed the road towards the Panaji-Mapusa highway and disappeared into the darkness.
Police launched an investigation soon after the incident, with a preliminary examination of CCTV footage helping investigators identify the two alleged assailants.
Goa police also stepped up security measures, with nakabandis conducted at several locations across the state. Police teams were checking vehicles and examining CCTV footage from the casino and surrounding areas to trace the suspects.
Investigators are also examining whether the attackers had received information about Nayak's movements from inside the casino.
"We cannot rule out the possibility that the assailants were getting updates about Nayak's movements from inside the casino," a source said, adding that police were examining the behaviour of guests and other people present at the premises at the time of the incident.
Nayak later confirmed the shooting and said he was about to get into his car when the two assailants opened fire.
"I was about to sit in my car when two assailants fired three rounds at me. My bodyguard fired three rounds in response. The accused fled thereafter, crossing the highway. Police are going through CCTV footage now," he said.
Police are continuing efforts to establish the identity and motive of the attackers and trace their movements before and after the shooting.