Former Tourist Minister of India Charged in Majorda Casino Assault

Police in Margao, India have filed charges against Francisco ‘Miccky’ Pacheco, a previous tourism minister, and Mathew Diniz, Pacheco’s friend, for a supposed physical attack on the Gerald Fernandes and threatening Fernandes’ life. Fernandes is the managing director of the Hotel Majorda Casino, a brick-and-mortar establishment, not an Indian internet casino.

About eighteen witnesses will testify in a case being tried – logically enough – for violations of Indian penal codes instead of Indian gambling laws. Specifically, they are being tried for causing grievous harm (Section 326), wrongful restraint (Section 341), and criminal intimidation (Section 506(II)).

On August 25, 2009 at about 1:45am, according to the police report, Pacheco and Diniz came into the Majorda casino and disagreed with the casino staff about the wagering limits. This argument led to the beating of Fernandes and the threat against his mortality.

Fernandes informed the Colva police that the suspects caught his neck. Pacheco allegedly asserted to Fernandes that, as tourism minister, Pacheco had the authority to shut down the Majorda casino. Furthermore, Pacheco allegedly suggested Fernandes would be prevented from seeing either his wife or children if Pacheco and Diniz were prevented from wagering.

Though Diniz was arrested back in July of 2009, on September 26, 2009 Pacheco was allowed bail by the local court. This case against Pacheco was transferred to the crime branch is now being researched by PI Sunita Sawant.

Similar incidents do not happen at online casinos in India since wagering restrictions are controlled by software and there are no opportunities for violence.