A government-led probe has exposed a web of violations at the Goa nightclub 'Birch by Romeo Lane' where a devastating fire earlier this month claimed the lives of 25 people. The magisterial inquiry revealed that the nightclub was illegally constructed on a salt pan, a clear violation of land laws and coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms. The report also highlighted that the establishment operated without a valid trade license for months, with local authorities allegedly colluding to turn a blind eye to the infractions.
The inquiry, made public on Wednesday, found that the nightclub, located in Arpora village in North Goa, was built in the middle of a salt pan or water body, where construction is expressly prohibited. The structure's location violates the Goa Land Revenue Code and CRZ norms, as converting a salt pan for commercial use contravenes Section 32 of the Land Revenue Code. The report stated that constructing any structure on a salt pan violates existing laws. No land conversion certificate was ever applied for or granted, rendering the entire construction unauthorized from the start.
The probe further revealed that the nightclub's trade license had expired on March 31, 2024, and was never renewed. Despite this, the Arpora-Nagoa village panchayat did not seal the premises or inform other departments that depended on the panchayat-issued trade license for their own approvals. Panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar admitted to not informing other departments about the non-renewal of the license. The inquiry pointed to clear administrative negligence and alleged collusion. The panchayat secretary also admitted to not verifying the house number while granting the license to the hexagonal structure. Authorities found that the "house number doesn't exist at all," indicating further irregularities in land permissions.
Serious irregularities were flagged in the original licensing process, including alleged forgery in the application. The village panchayat passed a resolution clearing the license on December 14, and the final certificate was issued on December 16, a pace the inquiry described as unusually hasty. The committee noted that even after a demolition notice had been issued, and the trade license had lapsed, Bagkar failed to act or seal the premises for several months. Based on the magnitude of the violations and administrative lapses, the committee has recommended the dismissal of Bagkar from service.
The nightclub also lacked emergency exits on both the ground and deck floors and was operating without valid safety permissions. The fire broke out late on December 6 during a crowded event after fireworks were set off without adequate safety measures or equipment. Numerous complaints related to noise pollution and parking were lodged against the nightclub between January 2024 and December 2025. However, these complaints were repeatedly closed with remarks stating that inspections found nothing amiss. The inquiry noted that directions of the Bombay High Court at Goa regarding inspections and night patrolling in the area were not followed.
Police have arrested eight people so far, including nightclub co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who fled to Thailand hours after the fire and were deported back to India on December 17. Five Goa government officials have been suspended in connection with the case. The case is being investigated under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligence endangering life, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
