[Nasheman news] Panaji With the Model Code of Conduct in place for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and assembly bypolls, the Goa Police on Sunday said that they will be strictly monitoring gambling operations in the coastal state, including in casinos.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Rajesh Kumar said that there would be strict vigil of cash transactions at Goa’s casinos, which have been accused of money laundering by the Opposition and civil society.

“… we have laid more emphasis on cracking down on crimes like matka, gambling, narcotics…” he told reporters here.

He also said that casino operators will have to ensure their patrons have a PAN card, especially while making cash transactions. 

“There are laid-down guidelines for casinos… If someone is going with cash, he should have a PAN card and whether the PAN card is being recorded there (at the casino’s end). Whatever norms there are will be enforced,” he added.

There are six offshore casinos and about nine onshore casinos operating from the state’s numerous coastal resorts.

Elections to Goa’s two Lok Sabha constituencies and bypolls to three assembly seats will be held on April 23, the Election Commission announced on Sunday.