Goa authorities are facing scrutiny after allegedly dismissing their own report detailing "gross violations" at a nightclub where a recent fire claimed 25 lives. The "Birch by Romeo Lane" nightclub in Arpora, Goa, is now at the center of a controversy involving ignored safety lapses and potential shielding of the establishment from scrutiny.
The Times of India reported that senior IPS officials allegedly intervened to halt inquiries into the club's licensing violations and pressured local police to drop an FIR filed against the club for loud music violations. This intervention effectively protected the nightclub from further investigation despite multiple notices and complaints.
The Arpora-Nagoa panchayat had issued a demolition notice to the nightclub, citing the absence of a construction license. However, this order was stayed by officials of the Directorate of Panchayats. Roshan Redkar, the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat sarpanch, who issued a trade license to the club in 2023, was also detained in connection with the fire incident.
Adding to the controversy, Sankalp Amonkar, a member of the Goa legislative assembly, raised concerns in August 2025 about encroachment on the Arpora land, flagging illegal expansion and potential environmental violations. Despite this public warning, no immediate corrective action was taken.
The nightclub, owned by Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, has faced complaints for repeated violations of coastal regulation zones and sound pollution norms. Jawish Moniz, who runs a guest house near Vagator beach, stated that there were several FIRs registered against the establishment, but the violations continued. Moniz also noted that Romeo Lane had been previously demolished on at least two occasions for violating Coastal Regulation Zone norms. In December 2024, the Goa State Pollution Control Board issued notices to Romeo Lane and six other clubs for violating sound pollution norms.
The fire at "Birch by Romeo Lane" occurred on a Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of 20 nightclub staff members and five tourists. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by fireworks. The club's construction was unauthorized, and a demolition notice had been stayed by a higher authority. The club had a narrow entry and exit, restricted escape plan, and used flammable materials in construction, contributing to the tragedy.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause of the incident and fix responsibility. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo stated that panchayats will now conduct fire safety audits of all nightclubs and issue notices requiring them to obtain necessary safety clearances.
Following the fire, the Goa government has launched a crackdown on illegal constructions in tourist areas. Romeo Lane Vagator, another property owned by the Luthra brothers, is set for demolition after authorities found it was built on government land without proper permissions.
Police have registered an FIR against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal conspiracy. Immigration records indicate that the Luthra brothers left for Phuket hours after the fire. The police have issued a Look-Out Circular and alerted Interpol to trace and bring them back. Several managers and employees of the nightclub have been arrested.
