Goa Nightclub Fire: Goa’s district authorities on Monday sealed another establishment linked to the promoters of Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub in Arpora where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives early Sunday morning. The action marks an escalation in the probe into one of the state’s deadliest nightlife tragedies in recent years.
Shack at Vagator Sealed for Illegal Construction
Officials visited ‘Romeo Lane’, a shack located on Vagator beach and reportedly owned by the same promoters. After inspection, the structure was sealed for allegedly standing on government-owned property without authorization.
According to sources, the shack had been operating illegally for months, prompting fresh questions about regulatory oversight and compliance failures within Goa’s booming nightlife sector.
Owners, Manager, Event Organisers Booked
Police have registered an FIR against Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, along with the club’s manager and event organisers. The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
A senior police official confirmed that the arrests and detentions are part of a broader investigation aimed at establishing whether negligence or illegal construction contributed to the high death toll.
Panchayat Sarpanch Detained
Authorities have also detained Roshan Redkar, the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat. Redkar reportedly issued a trade licence for the premises back in 2013.
In his statement, he alleged that the club had been at the centre of a dispute between its partners.
“We inspected the premises and found they did not have permission to construct the club,” Redkar said, adding that a demolition notice was issued but later stayed by officials from the Directorate of Panchayats.
CM Orders Magisterial Inquiry
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep concern over the tragedy and directed a magisterial inquiry to establish accountability.
“All six injured persons are stable and receiving the best medical care. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to identify the cause and fix responsibility,” Sawant said.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
The fire broke out shortly after midnight inside the popular nightclub located nearly 25 km from Panaji. The establishment, which opened last year, was hosting an event at the time.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased included four tourists and 14 staff members, while identification of seven remaining victims is still underway.
Initial findings indicate the blaze originated on the first floor. Due to congestion, narrow entry points, and limited emergency exits, many guests were unable to escape in time.
The CM stated that several victims attempted to run toward the ground floor but were trapped as flames and smoke spread rapidly.
Rising Questions on Safety Compliance
The tragedy has ignited a debate about the lack of safety standards, illegal constructions, and the pace at which nightlife establishments are mushrooming across Goa.
With investigations expanding beyond the nightclub to linked properties such as the Vagator shack, authorities are likely to face mounting pressure to enforce stricter compliance norms.
Conclusion
As Goa reels from the shocking Arpora nightclub fire, authorities are widening their probe and stepping up enforcement. With an illegal shack now sealed and key stakeholders booked, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining responsibility, ensuring justice, and preventing such a tragedy from ever recurring.