The kin of victims of the Goa nightclub fire are demanding a fast-tracked trial, alleging severe negligence and a lack of safety measures at the venue. The tragic incident at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora on December 6, 2025, resulted in 25 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Bhavna Joshi, who lost her husband and three sisters in the blaze, recounted the horrific scene outside the Mapusa court, stating that the nightclub staff desperately tried to douse the flames by throwing water from wine glasses and bottles, indicating a complete absence of fire extinguishers. Joshi, a resident of New Delhi, survived because she was pushed out by people rushing to escape, but she was unable to save her family.
The families are battling emotional trauma and anger over the alleged apathy of the nightclub management and are demanding swift justice and a thorough investigation. They allege the nightclub management failed to provide adequate safety equipment. The absence of proper safety measures, including fire exits and extinguishers, has been highlighted as a major contributing factor to the high number of fatalities. Officials have stated that narrow exit routes inside the nightclub increased the number of fatalities. A police report also noted that the venue did not have an emergency exit door on the ground floor, as well as on the deck floor.
The fire reportedly started due to fireworks during a live performance. A security guard near the site said that the fire was caused by a gas cylinder explosion. The venue, largely constructed with flammable materials like wood and bamboo, had allegedly violated multiple safety regulations.
The victims included four tourists from Delhi and 21 staff members from various states, including Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Karnataka, as well as one Nepalese citizen. Many of the staff members were working in the basement and were unable to escape the fire. Most of the deaths were due to suffocation, with only three victims dying from burn injuries.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered an inquiry into the incident, promising stringent action against those responsible. The government has announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Three state officials have been suspended for their alleged role in granting permissions that enabled the nightclub to begin operations in 2023.
Police have arrested eight persons, including the owners of the club, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, and have initiated the process for issuing a Blue Corner Notice against a British national, Surinder Kumar Khosla. The Luthra brothers had fled to Thailand shortly after the tragedy but were later deported. A Goa court has extended the police custody of the Luthra brothers.
The Supreme Court has been urged to take suo moto cognizance of the incident to fast-track justice and ensure that such tragedies do not recur. The court has been asked to appoint an independent monitor to oversee the inquiry and ensure transparency.
In the wake of the tragedy, Surajya Abhiyan has submitted a complaint to the District Collector of North Goa, urging strict action against illegal nightclubs operating in the state and emphasizing the need for a robust preventive framework to ensure public safety.
