Case fabricated: casino operator HERALD REPORTER Says Mickky owes Rs 28 lakh
PANJIM, JUNE 20 Terming the charges made by Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco against it as “entirely fabricated”, Update Recreation & Gaming Pvt Ltd, the casino operator at Majorda Beach Resort, alleged that on the contrary, the minister owes them Rs 28 lakh. On 18th June, Mickky filed a police complaint alleging that the casino operator had “cheated” him of Rs 1.25 crore, the amount which he claimed he had won in the casino. General Manager of Update Recreation which runs Casino Treasures, Gerald Fernandes, said in a press note issued here that the allegations levelled by Mickky recently “are entirely fabricated to create a smoke screen to cover up his own illegal acts”. Fernandes, a former captain in the Indian army, has said that the minister owes Casino Treasures Rs 28 lakh which he claims, Mickky has acknowledged in writing. This is in the form of credit given to regulars. According to the copies of cash payment vouchers which were released to the press, Rs 5 lakh was paid to Mickky on 26th December 2008, Rs 20 lakh on 1st January, besides another payment made earlier on 19th December. Fernandes further said the police have registered an offence against Mickky and Mathew Diniz “for using criminal force and criminally intimidating him” more than two weeks ago. Fernandes in his complaint, had said that on 29th May, Mickky and Mathew visited the casino between 1 and 2.45 am and that they engaged themselves in an altercation with the gaming staff. “Mickky persisted in insisting that he be allowed to bet above the betting limits laid by the company based on its payment, administrative, insurance and security factors. He also insisted to be paid at rates higher than valid bets”, Fernandes said alleging that they pushed him against the wall “and held him by the throat” and threatened him with dire consequences. In his complaint, he requested that the matter be investigated and the persons be prosecuted in accordance with law. Fernandes has also sought police protection to him and his family. However, after a delay, the complaint was filed with the Colva police only on 8th June. The FIR was registered on 18th June and subsequently Mathew was arrested the same evening. PARRIKAR: The general manager has also responded to the statement by Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar that casinos have ruined families in Goa. “He (Parrikar) may be reminded that it was during his tenure as CM that license to casino ship – Goa Caravela – was issued and the Goa Public Gambling Act 1976 was also amended on 16th August 2001 to make it wider and more inclusive. On casino, he said casino operations are quite akin to lotteries erstwhile operated by the government of Goa and currently operated by various state governments in the country.
