Arpora, Goa: In the wake of a devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. The fire, which broke out shortly after midnight on Sunday, claimed the lives of 25 people and left six others injured.

CM Sawant, who visited the site to assess the situation, stated that the government will provide full assistance for transporting the deceased to their homes. A dedicated team, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), police, and health authorities, has been formed to coordinate this effort.

"The ex-gratia amount of ₹5 lakhs will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, and ₹50,000 for the injured will be sanctioned through the SDRF fund," Sawant said. He also directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) to take strict disciplinary action against those found responsible for any negligence.

Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been triggered by electrical firecrackers used inside the club. However, authorities are still investigating the exact cause. The club, located approximately 25 kilometers from Panaji, the state capital, was reportedly packed with around 100 people on the dance floor when the fire erupted.

According to reports, many of the victims died due to suffocation. The fire brigade found 23 bodies in the basement of the nightclub, with few showing signs of burn injuries. The narrow entrance and exit of the club reportedly hampered evacuation efforts. Some individuals, in a bid to escape, ran towards the kitchen, unaware that it was a dead end, leading to them being trapped along with other staff.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased, with ₹50,000 for the injured.

In the aftermath, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, its manager, and event organizers. The sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat has also been detained. CM Sawant has confirmed that four people associated with the event have been arrested, and a police team has been dispatched to Delhi to apprehend owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. An arrest warrant has been issued against the owners.

The Goa government has launched a magisterial inquiry to investigate the fire, examining safety lapses, permissions, and violations at the club. The inquiry will also scrutinize emergency exits, ventilation, and structural compliance. A committee has been formed to submit a report within a week, and suspensions are expected to be issued to concerned officers.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressing his condolences. The Goa Church has also conveyed its grief, offering condolences to the bereaved families. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa has criticized the state government, asserting that it has lost the moral right to govern due to its failure to enforce regulations.

The tragic fire has raised serious questions about fire safety standards and regulatory oversight in Goa's nightclubs and restaurants. The government has assured that stringent action will be taken against those found responsible for any violations.