The investigation into the devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, that claimed 25 lives on December 6, 2025, has intensified, with authorities questioning key individuals and scrutinizing possible regulatory failures. The Arpora-Nagoa Sarpanch, Roshan Redkar, and the former panchayat secretary, Raghuvir Bagkar, have both come under scrutiny as part of the widening probe.
Roshan Redkar appeared before the Anjuna police after receiving interim protection from arrest from a local court. Redkar's lawyer stated that they are cooperating with the investigation. Raghuvir Bagkar, who has been suspended, is also under investigation. He reportedly didn't respond to police notices and sought pre-arrest bail. The Sessions Court in Mapusa extended their interim relief from arrest and scheduled the hearing for their anticipatory bail pleas for Tuesday. The court has issued notices for the bail applications and has given the police until December 16 to submit their response.
In addition to local officials, the focus has extended to the nightclub's ownership and management. Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the co-owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, were detained in Thailand after leaving India shortly after the fire. A Delhi court rejected their bail requests, deeming the case very serious. Their passports have been seized, and deportation proceedings are underway to bring them back to India for questioning. Ajay Gupta, identified as a silent partner and investor in the nightclub, has been remanded to seven days of police custody. Furthermore, five managers and staff members of the entertainment venue have been arrested.
The cause of the fire, which broke out around 11:45 p.m. during a late-night event, is still under investigation. Initial investigations suggest the fire originated near the kitchen and rapidly spread due to flammable decorations, including dried palm leaves, and potential safety lapses. Investigators are examining whether the club possessed the necessary fire safety approvals, structural permissions, and safety equipment. The narrow access lane to the nightclub hampered firefighting efforts, which lasted for two hours.
The state government has initiated a comprehensive review of fire safety measures at all nightclubs in the area. This includes scrutiny of emergency exits, ventilation, and structural compliance. The government has also suspended Shamila Monteiro, the then Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, and Siddhi Halarnkar, the then director of panchayat.
Authorities have recorded over 50 statements from individuals connected to the case, including officials, staff, and survivors. The police custody of another accused, Bharat Kohli, has been extended by six days to facilitate further investigation. The government pledged ₹0.5 million (US$5,900) for the relatives of the deceased and ₹50,000 (US$590) for the injured. The other clubs owned by Romeo Lane were also closed after fire safety violations were found.
