Shots fired at Goa casino director, he escapes unhurt

Goa Police launched a manhunt after two assailants fired three shots at casino MD Shrinivas Nayak, who escaped unharmed.

Published on: Aug 28, 2026, 23:17:06 IST

By Gerard de Souza

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PANAJI: The Goa Police have launched a manhunt after two unknown assailants fired gunshots in an apparent bid to target Shrinivas Nayak, the Managing Director of the Casino Pride Group, one of the largest groups operating multiple casinos in Goa.

Nayak, who escaped unhurt, was targeted with three shots, all of which missed the target leaving him unharmed as he was leaving the Majestic Pride Hotel and Casino located on Friday evening, where the group’s offices are also located.

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According to preliminary information available so far, Nayak was heading towards his car accompanied by his bodyguard when the attack took place prompting the bodyguard to return fire in the direction of those who were shooting at them. The duo were not harmed in the incident.

The assailants are believed to have escaped by crossing the busy NH 66 Highway that leads into the state capital from the north.

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Nayak, whose casino group operates two offshore casinos and several hotel casinos, is among the most prominent casino operators in the state and is popular among tourists.

A police official said that the investigations were at a preliminary stage and that it would be premature to comment on it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gerard de Souza
Gerard de Souza is a Special Correspondent based in Goa and has been reporting on and about issues concerning the state and the wider western coast of India for over 18 years. His wide range of stories covers politics, crime, environment and tourism-related concerns emerging from India’s smallest state. Born and brought up in Goa, he has a deep understanding of the former Portuguese enclave’s evolution from a laidback collection of idyllic villages that first drew flower power generation of counter culture enthusiasts to its shores to one that has become synonymous in Indian popular culture with an aspirational holiday, seeing the best (and worst) that holidayers have to offer. He also keenly follows criminal trials. Most notably, he covered the trial surrounding the killing of Scarlett Keeling, a British teenager found dead on Anjuna beach, and that of Danielle McLaughlin similarly killed in south Goa, among others. He authored the book ‘Crimes of Passion: When Desire Turns Deadly,’ chronicling cases of romance turning to rage and murder. A graduate of Goa University, he learnt the trade on the job and has experience on both the reporting and editorial sides of the profession. When not sniffing around for a worthy headline, he likes to spend time outdoors to help ensure his heart is always in the right place.Read More

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