Panaji: RTI activist Sudip Narayan Tamhankar has filed a criminal complaint at the Panaji Police Station seeking registration of an FIR against the Board of Directors of several casino-operating companies and the Gaming Commissioner of Goa for allegedly allowing illegal gambling operations on vessels in the Mandovi River for nearly 22 months without valid legal authorisation.

In his complaint dated March 13, 2026, Tamhankar alleged that casino vessels operating in the Mandovi River continued gaming activities even after the expiry of the government notification that permitted such operations. According to the complaint, the last notification issued on January 10, 2023, had extended the legality of casino operations only until March 31, 2023.

The complaint states that no further notification authorising these operations was issued until January 23, 2025, thereby creating a period of nearly 22 months during which casino gaming allegedly continued without legal sanction.

Tamhankar has alleged that vessels including “M.V. Royale Flotel,” operated by Delta Pleasure Cruise Company Pvt. Ltd.; “M.V. Lucky Seven,” operated by Golden Globe Hotels Pvt. Ltd.; “M.V. Pride of Goa,” operated by Goa Coastal Resorts and Recreation Pvt. Ltd.; “M.V. Horseshoe Casino,” operated by Delta Corp Ltd.; “M.V. Majestic Pride,” operated by Golden Peace Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.; and “M.V. Casino Royale,” operated by Highstreet Cruises and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., continued casino gaming activities during this period despite the expiry of the statutory notification.

According to the complaint, such operations violate provisions of the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976, particularly Sections 3, 4, 13B and 13H, which prohibit gambling except in places specifically authorised through a government notification. The complaint also invokes Sections 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) and 198 (public servant disobeying law) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Tamhankar further alleged that the casino operators knowingly continued operations during the unlicensed period and generated illegal revenue amounting to hundreds of crores. He claimed that the directors of the companies are responsible for the conduct of business and are liable for criminal acts committed by the entities.

The complaint also names the Gaming Commissioner of Goa as a co-accused, alleging abetment and dereliction of duty. Under Section 13D of the Goa Public Gambling Act, the Gaming Commissioner is mandated to exercise overall control over casino gaming operations and ensure compliance with the law.

Tamhankar alleged that despite being aware that the notification had lapsed, the authorities failed to shut down the vessels, seal the premises, or initiate criminal proceedings against the operators. He claimed that the prolonged inaction suggests a possible nexus and quid pro quo between regulators and casino operators, allegedly aimed at defrauding the State and the public.

In his complaint, Tamhankar has requested the police to register an FIR against the casino companies and the Gaming Commissioner, investigate the operations of the vessels during the unlicensed period from April 2023 to January 2025, and determine the scale of the alleged illegal gambling activities.

He has also urged authorities to order forfeiture of all proceeds generated through the alleged illegal operations and initiate proceedings for cancellation of casino licences under Section 4A of the Goa Public Gambling Act.

The complaint has been submitted to the Panaji Police Station for further action. Officials are yet to issue a formal statement regarding the allegations.