A devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, has prompted a widespread police investigation, resulting in the booking of the nightclub's owners and the detention of the local village sarpanch. The blaze, which broke out late Saturday night, claimed the lives of at least 25 people and left six others injured.
Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, identified as Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra. The FIR also names the club's manager and event organizers. Authorities have also detained Roshan Redkar, the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat, for questioning. Redkar had issued a trade license for the nightclub premises in 2013.
According to police, the fire was allegedly triggered by a fire show organized at the nightclub without adequate safety measures. The FIR states that the owners, manager, and event organizers failed to provide fire safety equipment and other essential safety gadgets. This negligence reportedly led to the rapid spread of the fire, trapping many of the victims. Most of the deaths were due to suffocation, as people were trapped on the ground floor.
The Arpora-Nagoa sarpanch, Roshan Redkar, stated that the club was run by Saurav Luthra, who was in a dispute with his partner. Redkar claimed that the panchayat had previously issued a demolition notice to the club due to unauthorized construction, but the notice was stayed by officials of the Directorate of Panchayats.
The incident has sparked a political controversy, with the Congress party demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, holding the state government responsible for the tragedy. Chief Minister Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the fire.
The aftermath of the fire has revealed the identities of some of the victims. Among the deceased were four tourists and 14 staff members. Five victims have been identified as Mohit Munda (18), Pradeep Mahto (22), and Binod Mahto (19) from Jharkhand, Rahul Tanti from Assam, and Satish Singh Rana (26) from Uttarakhand. Five survivors are currently receiving treatment at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), with one victim suffering from 29% burns.
North Goa SP Harishchandra Madkaikar has stated that efforts are underway to complete victim identification and conduct post-mortem examinations. The government has also assured assistance in transporting the bodies of the deceased to their native states and providing compensation to the victims' families.
Four members of the club's management team, including the General Manager, Restaurant Manager, Bar Manager, and Gate Manager, have been arrested for alleged negligence and responsibility in connection with the incident. An arrest warrant has been issued against the owner of the establishment.
