A tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa has claimed 25 lives, prompting authorities to register an FIR against the club owners, event organisers, and the manager. In a significant development, the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat, who had issued the club’s trade license, has also been detained in connection with the incident.
FIR against owners and event organisers
Police have officially filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the nightclub’s owners, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. The club’s manager and event organisers are also named in the FIR as investigations deepen. The blaze occurred shortly after midnight at the popular party venue located in Arpora village, around 25 km from Goa’s capital, Panaji.
Goa CM Pramod Sawant announces relief measures
Following the tragic fire at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora that claimed 25 lives, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday announced immediate relief measures. He stated that "the ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakhs will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 for the injured will be sanctioned through the SDRF fund". The government will also offer full support for transporting the deceased to their hometowns, with a dedicated team consisting of the SDM, police, and health officials assigned to oversee these arrangements. Sawant directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to initiate disciplinary actions related to the incident.
Committee formation and preventive measures for safety compliance
The Chief Minister further outlined plans to enhance safety protocols for commercial establishments. "A committee shall be constituted under the chairmanship of the Secretary of Revenue for conducting the audit of such clubs, business establishments, etc., which are operating without valid permissions and wherein there is a likelihood of gathering of people in large numbers". This committee has developed a standard operating procedure (SOP) aimed at ensuring that similar tragedies do not recur. "The advisory issued by SDMA for all clubs, restaurants and other commercial establishments wherein the likelihood of significant footfall is there to ensure and operate with valid permissions and adequate safety provisions" will be strictly enforced going forward.
Casualties and ongoing investigation
Among the 25 deceased, four were tourists and 14 were staff members. The identities of seven victims remain unknown as investigations continue. Six injured individuals are currently stable and receiving medical care, according to officials.
Detention of Panchayat Sarpanch over licensing issues
Roshan Redkar, sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat, was detained due to his connection with the club’s licensing. Redkar revealed that the trade license was issued in 2013, but the club was operating amid internal disputes between the owners. He stated that the club lacked permission for construction, leading the panchayat to issue a demolition notice, which local Directorate of Panchayats officials temporarily stayed.
Chief Minister orders magisterial inquiry
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the fire’s cause and determine responsibility. He remarked on the preliminary findings indicating the fire started on the nightclub’s first floor. Congestion and narrow exits contributed to the heavy casualties, as many patrons were unable to evacuate efficiently. Some people who escaped to the ground floor became trapped due to the building’s constrained layout.
This tragic incident has plunged Goa into mourning and raised critical questions about safety regulations and licensing compliance in entertainment venues. With FIRs registered and key officials detained, authorities are actively investigating the nightclub fire to hold accountable those responsible and prevent such disasters in the future.
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