Panaji, Dec 5 : The vandalism by Maharashtra minister Narayan Rane's son Nitesh at a Goa border toll booth caused a loss of Rs.15 lakh, Goa Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said Thursday.

"The loss to government property caused by Nitesh Rane is around Rs.15 lakh," Dhavlikar told reporters at the state secretariat here.

The toll booth at the Goa-Maharashtra border, which Rane and his entourage smashed Tuesday, is operated by the Goa state transport department. Three toll operators were also beaten up by Nitesh's supporters.

Nine people, including Nitesh, were arrested by police and later released on bail.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has denied allegations that police let off Nitesh lightly, but confirmed he received a phone call from Maharashtra Revenue Minister Narayan Rane after his son Nitesh's arrest.