Goa Tourism Minister held, released on bail

Panaji, Sep 30: Goa Tourism Minister Francisco X Pacheco was held on Tuesday, Sep 29 after a casino dealer accused him of extortion, police said.

Crime Branch Police Inspector Sunita Sawant confirmed the minister's arrest.

"He has been arrested under section 506 (ii) of IPC. Monteiro (Goa Tourism Development Corporation vice chairman Lyndon Monteiro) was his local surety. We have asked him to remain present at the Crime Branch on Wednesday for further enquiries," Sawant said.

Pacheco was immediately released by police on a bail of Rs 5,000 and on furnishing a local surety.

Pacheco was booked by the Crime Branch on Sep 17 for allegedly extorting Rs 3.69 lakh, assaulting casino staffers and threatening them with dire consequences.

OneIndia News