Tragic Goa Nightclub Fire: Romeo Lane Chairman Saurabh Luthra Breaks Silence After 25 Deaths

Chairman of Romeo Lane Saurabh Luthra

More than 24 hours after a catastrophic fire engulfed the popular Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa's Arpora, resulting in 25 fatalities and six injuries, owner Saurabh Luthra has finally addressed the public.

Among the 25 victims of this tragedy were 20 staff members and five tourists.

In his first public statement since the incident, Luthra expressed that the management was "deeply shaken" by the magnitude of the loss. "The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch," he stated via his Instagram account.

Describing it as a moment of "irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress," he affirmed that the nightclub stands "in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured" and offered condolences "with utmost sincerity."

Luthra further stated that the management would provide complete cooperation to all those affected. "The management further affirms that it shall extend every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved and affected individuals, as they navigate through this period of immense anguish and adversity."

On Monday, Goa Police issued a lookout notice for nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra of 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. Officials reported that both accused allegedly departed from Goa shortly after the incident and are suspected of attempting to leave the country. As a preventive measure, all airports and police stations nationwide have been alerted, according to IANS. Goa Police indicated that the lookout notice was necessary due to strong suspicions that the pair might attempt to flee abroad.

According to the club's Instagram profile, it was hosting a 'Bollywood Banger Night' on Saturday evening. Viral footage shows a dancer performing to the Sholay hit 'Mehbooba Mehbooba' when flames first appeared on the ceiling. Shortly before, fireworks had been set off inside the nightclub to enhance the performance.

'Birch By Romeo Lane' is situated near the Arpora River backwaters and features a narrow entry and exit point. The establishment markets itself as an "island club" and is accessible from the main road via narrow lanes.

These narrow passages complicated rescue efforts after the fire broke out, as fire engines couldn't directly reach the club and had to be parked approximately 400 meters away.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant noted this was unprecedented in Goa. "From my preliminary inquiry, it appears the fire started on the upper floor. Because the doors were very congested, some people managed to escape, but once the fire intensified, others could not get out. Many who moved towards the underground area died due to suffocation because there was no proper ventilation," he explained.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia payments from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for victims of the tragic fire in Arpora.

The Prime Minister's Office declared that each victim's next of kin will receive Rs 2 lakh, while injured individuals will be provided Rs 50,000 as relief assistance.