Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has called for Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to apologize for the recent nightclub fire in Arpora that resulted in the deaths of 25 people. Speaking at a public meeting in South Goa on Friday, December 12, 2025, Kejriwal alleged that the "Birch by Romeo Lane" nightclub was operating without the necessary permissions and licenses, implying that the establishment was able to function due to bribes paid to government officials.
Kejriwal stated that the nightclub operated without an occupancy certificate, trade license, or building permissions, yet still managed to obtain electricity and water connections. He further claimed that the local panchayat had ordered the demolition of the structure a year prior, but the club continued to operate by paying "hafta" (regular bribes) to officials. Kejriwal questioned how the Pramod Sawant government could have been unaware of these violations, suggesting that the club was allowed to operate because it was paying bribes to officers, ministers, and MLAs. He accused the Sawant-led government of being "the most corrupt" and stated that the least the Chief Minister could do is apologize to the people of Goa for the Arpora incident and ensure safety in all establishments.
The fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub occurred on December 6, 2025, claiming the lives of 25 people, including staff members and tourists. Initial investigations suggest that the blaze was ignited by electric firecrackers that came into contact with the wooden ceiling, causing a rapid spread due to a lack of adherence to fire safety norms. The club's co-owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, reportedly fled to Thailand shortly after the incident. Their passports were suspended, and an Interpol Blue Corner notice was issued to track their location. They were detained in Phuket and transferred to Bangkok's Immigration Centre.
Goa Police have extended the police custody of Bharat Kohli, another accused in the case, by six days to allow further investigation. The Sessions Court in Mapusa has issued notices regarding the anticipatory bail applications filed by Arpora Panchayat Sarpanch Roshan Redkar and Secretary Raghuvir Bagkar and has granted the Goa Police time until December 16 to file a detailed response.
Kejriwal commented that Goa, previously known for its scenic beauty, is now "famous for its corruption and the Arpora incident". He also mentioned the developments in Punjab under the AAP government, stating that they are constructing 43,000 km of roads.
