Panaji, Goa: A devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, claimed 25 lives and left six others injured late Saturday night. Within hours of the incident, Goa Police arrested the nightclub’s general manager and three staff members for alleged negligence and safety violations.
The arrests followed the registration of an FIR against nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the manager, and the event organizers. While the staff and general manager have been taken into custody, the owners are still absconding.
Earlier, the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat sarpanch was detained for issuing a trade license to the nightclub in 2013, raising serious questions about regulatory lapses and compliance failures.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and assured strict legal action against those responsible.
“The ex gratia amount of ₹5 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, and ₹50,000 for the injured through the SDRF fund. The government will provide full support for transporting the deceased to their respective hometowns,” Sawant said.
A dedicated response team comprising the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), police, and health authorities has been formed to coordinate relief and post-incident procedures.
Sawant also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy and has set up a committee including the District Magistrate, senior police officials, and the fire department. The committee has been tasked with identifying procedural and safety lapses that led to the blaze and must submit its report within one week.
The fire, among the worst in Goa in recent years, has shocked residents and visitors alike, renewing concerns over safety standards in tourism and nightlife establishments across the state.