PANAJI
A 25-year-old from Hyderabad, identified as a known rowdy-sheeter and frequent visitor to casinos, was on Thursday arrested for allegedly killing a security guard and injuring another after creating a ruckus at a casino in Panaji in the early hours.
The accused Abdul Altaf was arrested soon after he allegedly assaulted the security personnel at a land-based casino situated on the first floor of a prominent hotel in the capital city. The deceased has been identified as Dheeru Sharma (33), a native of Satna in Madhya Pradesh while the injured Satyam Gaonkar (27), hails from Shiroda.
Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Rahul Gupta confirmed the incident stating that Panaji Police Station received a distress call at around 3:10 am on Thursday.
“A guest at the casino had assaulted multiple security personnel using a wooden rod, which he broke off from the staircase. The rod had an iron clamp at its base and was used with the intent to kill,” Gupta said.
Sharma succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim. Gaonkar sustained a head injury and is undergoing treatment.
Police sources said cwas in an inebriated state and was creating a nuisance when security staff attempted to intervene. He reportedly grew violent, pulled out the makeshift weapon, and assaulted the personnel.
“He began abusing the staff and created a nuisance. It was also disturbing other guests in the area. Since it would escalate into a law and order situation, Altaf was asked to leave the premises but retaliated which proved fatal for one staff member,” the source said.
Altaf is listed as a rowdy sheeter at the Mailardevpally Police Station in Hyderabad. Police have collected evidence as a part of the FIR, and have identified witnesses for investigation.
