Police hunt suspects after shooting near Porvorim police station
Panaji — Goa Police launched a search on Saturday for two unidentified men who allegedly opened fire at the director of a casino group outside his hotel at Porvorim on Friday night, officials said.
Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Harishchandra Madkaikar told PTI that the assailants fired three rounds at Srinivas Nayak, director of Majestic Pride Hotels and Resorts, at about 8.45 pm. Nayak, who was seated in his car with his bodyguards, was unhurt after his security personnel returned fire, the officer said.
The shooting took place outside a five‑star property located close to the local police station. CCTV footage released by the authorities showed two men waiting near the hotel gate before firing at the vehicle, after which they fled the scene, according to PTI.
“Those involved in the incident will be arrested at the earliest. No one will be spared,”
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters on Saturday that an extensive investigation was underway and that perpetrators would not be spared. He said the motive behind the attack was being probed, PTI reported.
Immediate police actions and public safety concerns
Police said a manhunt had been launched to locate and apprehend the two suspects. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the hotel and surrounding areas and are questioning witnesses as part of the probe, Madkaikar said.
- Three rounds were fired at the director's car; he escaped unhurt.
- Security personnel returned fire, forcing the assailants to flee.
- CCTV footage captured two men near the hotel gate prior to the attack.
The proximity of the incident to the Porvorim police station prompted questions from the opposition about the state of law and order. Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar criticised the government, asking how safe residents could feel if such an attack could occur metres from a police post, PTI reported.
Political reaction and accountability
The opposition described the episode as evidence of a deterioration in law and order under the ruling party. The Congress questioned the safety of citizens and suggested the attack raised concerns about security even for those seen as close to the establishment.
The chief minister, while assuring strict action, described the shooting as the first such incident during his tenure and said the reasons behind the attack were being investigated, according to PTI.
Incident details at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date and time | Friday night, around 8.45 pm |
| Location | Outside a five-star hotel, Porvorim (near Porvorim police station) |
| Victim | Srinivas Nayak, director of Majestic Pride Hotels and Resorts (unhurt) |
| Number of assailants | Two unidentified men |
| Rounds fired | Three |
| Response | Security personnel returned fire; suspects fled |
What authorities are pursuing next
Police are continuing forensic examination of the scene, reviewing additional video footage from neighbouring cameras and compiling witness statements. Patrols and checkpoints in the area have been intensified while investigators follow leads to identify and locate the two men.
Nayak, when contacted, confirmed he was safe and unhurt, PTI reported. No arrests had been announced up to Saturday evening, and officials did not provide further details on any suspected motive.
The incident has heightened scrutiny of security arrangements for high-profile individuals and the response time of law-enforcement units in sensitive locations. Authorities said they would provide updates as the probe progresses.
Given the ongoing investigation, police appealed to anyone with information or additional footage of the incident to come forward to assist in apprehending the suspects, PTI reported.
This report is based on information supplied to PTI and statements issued by Goa Police and state officials.
