Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The investigation into the attempted shooting of casino executive Shrinivas Nayak and his security guard in Porvorim has been transferred to the Goa Crime Branch, three days after the incident.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the Assembly on Monday that the Crime Branch would now lead the probe. He said the investigation was in progress and expressed confidence that the attackers would be identified and arrested.
The case was taken up in the House after Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai moved an adjournment motion over concerns surrounding the state’s law and order situation. Sardesai had called for the Crime Branch to investigate the shooting.
Raising questions over the security arrangements, Sardesai pointed out that the attack occurred only about 500 metres from the Legislative Assembly as well as the Porvorim police station.
The attackers have yet to be apprehended. Investigators have reportedly ruled out extortion as the immediate motive and are exploring the possibility that the shooting was a targeted attack involving hired assailants.
Police are also investigating whether the shooters were brought into Goa from another state. As part of the probe, a police team has reportedly travelled to Mumbai, while several individuals have been questioned in connection with the case.
Sawant has instructed the police to establish the motive behind the attack and expedite efforts to trace those responsible.
The incident has added to growing political criticism over law and order in Goa. AAP Velim MLA Cruz Silva also raised concerns on Monday, speaking outside the Assembly and questioning the government’s handling of the state’s security situation.
