Will consider BJP's request to shut off-shore casinos: Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said his government "will consider" the state BJP unit's request to shut down the off-shore casinos operating here.

Six off-shore casinos are currently anchored in the Mandovi river in Panaji.

The state government in March this year granted six- month extension to them.

There has been a demand from a section of people to shift the vessels from the Mandovi river.

State BJP unit president Vinay Tendulkar on Tuesday submitted a letter to the government demanding that these off-shore casinos be shut.

"If people don't want onshore casinos, which function from five-star hotels, then they should also be closed along with the off-shore casinos," he said.

Sawant told reporters on Wednesday that he received the letter sent by Tendulkar.

"The government will definitely consider the representation and act accordingly," he said.