Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 10: Goa Police have arrested three persons in connection with the shooting targeting Shrinivas Nayak, managing director of the Majestic Pride Group, on August 28, an official said on Thursday.

The accused have been identified as Qazu Sheikh (28), Israr Ali (25) and Suraj Acharya (36), all residents of Mumbai, Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta said.

While Sheikh was arrested in Uttar Pradesh, Ali and Acharya were apprehended from Mumbai.

"The arrested accused persons are being interrogated to ascertain their respective roles, motive behind the incident, circumstances leading to the firing, and the involvement of any other persons connected with the offence," Gupta said.

However, the SP clarified that the three arrested persons are not the actual shooters, who continue to remain at large.

The incident occurred on August 28 when two unidentified assailants allegedly fired three shots at Nayak as he was leaving the Majestic Pride Hotel and Casino. Nayak escaped unhurt as all three bullets missed him.

According to police, CCTV footage showed two men approaching Nayak as he walked towards his car at the hotel entrance before opening fire at him.

The assailants then fled the scene by crossing the busy NH 66 highway towards Panaji from North Goa.

The Majestic Pride Group operates multiple casinos in Goa, with its offices also located at the hotel where the shooting took place.

Police are continuing their investigation to establish the motive behind the attack and determine whether any other persons were involved.

The incident had prompted the opposition Congress to allege that law and order had collapsed in the BJP-ruled state. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said those involved in the attack would not be spared.