PANAJI: As many as 38 persons were arrested by the Goa police for allegedly rioting at a hotel in Baga early morning on Thursday.
Speaking to media persons, Porvorim Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Edwin Colaco informed that the Police Control Room received a call at about 6.25 am after which they rushed to the spot.
He informed that they received a complaint from the authorised representative of the business entity which is running operations at the hotel which also runs a casino.
“The complaint was in respect of criminal trespass by forming an unlawful assembly of around 40-50 people, damage to property, confining of hotel guests into the rooms and also of the female staff of the hotel being molested by the assailants,” said Colaco.
Colaco said that the authorised representative has also complained of theft of cash of Rs 2.5 crore and gaming chips amounting to approximately Rs 10-15 crore.
“Calangute police have registered an offence and around 38 suspects found at the place of offence have been arrested. Of these, five are women,” said Colaco further informing that the police at the spot are conducting a detailed panchanama of the scene of offence and statements of witnesses are being recorded.
When questioned, Colaco said that it would be premature to comment on what was the motive behind the incident as they were investigating into the incident.
“The place is being operated by a particular business entity. The authorised representative of that entity has given a complaint and we are conducting investigation in that direction. Since the number of assailants involved are many, it will take some time. Investigation will reveal all aspects,” said Colaco.
He informed that as of now those who have been arrested are not permanent residents of Goa.
“There are CCTVs in the premises. We will run through the footage and find out what exactly has happened. It will aid us in the investigation,” Colaco said.