25 Dead in Devastating Goa Nightclub Fire: Owners and Officials Face Legal Action

The local authorities have detained the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat following the tragic incident.

Panaji:

Goa Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the two owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, along with its manager and event organizers, after a catastrophic fire resulted in 25 fatalities. The sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat has also been detained, according to a senior official on Sunday.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has promptly ordered a magisterial inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly fire.

The blaze erupted at the nightclub shortly after midnight. The popular entertainment venue, located in Arpora village approximately 25 kilometers from Panaji (the state capital), had only opened its doors last year.

According to police reports, the victims included four tourists and fourteen staff members, while authorities are still working to establish the identities of the remaining seven casualties.

"Police have registered an FIR against Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane Nightclub, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita," a senior police officer informed PTI.

The club's manager and event organizers have also been named in the FIR.

Authorities have detained Roshan Redkar, the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat, who had issued a trade license for the premises in 2013.

Redkar stated that the club was operated by Saurav Luthra, who was involved in a dispute with his business partner.

"There was a disagreement between them, and they had filed complaints against each other with the panchayat. We inspected the premises and discovered they lacked permission to construct the club," he explained.

According to Redkar, the panchayat had issued a demolition notice, which was subsequently stayed by officials from the Directorate of Panchayats.

The Chief Minister affirmed that he was closely monitoring the situation resulting from the tragic fire incident.

"All six injured individuals are in stable condition and receiving the best medical care available. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the entire incident to determine the cause and establish responsibility," he stated.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated on the first floor of the club, and due to congestion and narrow doorways, patrons were unable to evacuate safely.

"Some individuals rushed to the ground floor where they became trapped," the Chief Minister added.