Goa Crime Branch Rejects Fugitive Shooter’s ‘Staged Attack’ Claim

On Sunday the Goa Crime Branch issued a blunt response to a video that had gone viral on social media. In the clip, an alleged gunman – still on the run – claimed the August 28 assault on Shrinivas Nayak, the director of the Majestic Pride Group, was nothing but a staged performance.

According to the police statement, the suspect’s rant is a classic diversion tactic, meant to throw investigators off the scent. “Accused generally resort to such tactics to divert the attention of investigative agencies. A fair and impartial investigation is in progress,” the branch wrote, emphasizing that the claim has no basis in fact.

In his recorded message, the fugitive tried to paint Nayak as the mastermind, alleging he had been promised that neither he nor the casino director would be harmed. He even questioned why the bodyguard’s return fire seemed to miss him, insinuating that blank rounds were used.

Adding a dramatic twist, the shooter hinted that contract killers – “supari killers” – were after him, and he said he would appear before a court to give a formal statement. The police, however, dismissed all of that as smoke‑screen talk.

Meanwhile, law‑enforcement agencies have made a tangible breakthrough. In a joint operation with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF), the Crime Branch arrested one of the alleged shooters, identified as Babu, 35, near the Indo‑Nepal border in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. He had apparently been trying to slip into Nepal when the team intercepted him. Babu is now in police custody for four days.

Officials confirmed that the search for the second gunman is still on. The man remains at large, and his video was apparently recorded while he was on the run. Earlier, three other suspects – Qazu Sheikh, Israr Ali and Suraj – were detained in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh for alleged logistical support and planning.

The case, initially filed as an attempt to murder at the Porvorim police station, was transferred to the Crime Branch after intense political scrutiny over Goa’s law‑and‑order situation. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered the handover, hoping a specialised team could untangle the many layers of the saga.

As the investigation unfolds, the Goa police have repeatedly assured the public that they are following every lead, and that attempts to sensationalise the case will not deter the pursuit of truth.